[pestlist] Conservator needed for assessment and guidance
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Dear all, We here at the Ministry of Culture in Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean) are hoping in very short time to apply for funding to assist with the rehabilitation of a small number of 20th-century artefacts (sculptures (mostly wooden), framed paintings, and wooden plaques) currently being housed at a site that is in severe disrepair. While we would ideally like to get started right away with the stabilisation and/or restoration of the items, we are aware that any expert approached would first like to assess the objects in person. To this end, I am asking after the availability of any conservator subscribed to this list to undertake an assessment/analysis over the course of 2018. Unfortunately, at this point, I can get no more specific than "sometime in 2018". Further, we are interested in knowing if it would be possible, with photos and dimensions given beforehand, for any guidance to be offered towards the formulation of a budget that would refer to the stabilisation and/or restoration of the sculpture pieces that are most under threat (from termite infestation). Warm regards. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Industry Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals Sir Vivian Richards Stadium North Sound, Antigua W.I. - To unsubscribe from this list send an email to imail...@museumpests.net and in the body put: "unsubscribe pestlist" OR just send an email to l...@zaks.com and ask to be removed. Any problems email l...@zaks.com
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Thanks very much for that tip re tape adhesion, Joel. I will certainly remember that. Best regards. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Voron, Joel Sent: Thursday, 09 November 2017 06:28:58 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Test tape for adhesion to desired plastic bags or sheetings beforehand on a practice/Faux object throughout the whole process if materials(tape or bags)or cold treatment is new to you. Some tapes appear to stick well and can fail during the freeze/rest cycle. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org<mailto:jvo...@cwf.org> [X] On Nov 8, 2017, at 5:19 PM, Alex Roach mailto:alexro...@modifiedatmospheres.com.au>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Todd Regarding the thickness of the plastic wrap/bags, thicker garbage bags/sheet plastic is used mainly as it is stronger when handling and there is less moisture transmission through the film than with thinner films. As a rough guide - disposable shopping bags/bin liners are about 1ml (you should double bag if using this type) - ziplock-style sandwich bags are about 2ml (and some have a moisture barrier layer) - 'tough' garbage/garden refuse bags may be 4-6ml. Many of these types of bags have reinforced layers that adds to their strength. You're not creating an oxygen barrier so holes and tears aren't such an issue. If you find scrapes or tears just repair them with tape. One more thing. When you're freezing a lot of items you may find water building-up under and between bags of frozen items. You can reduce this by using fans to keep air moving over the objects post freezing. Best wishes Alex On Thu, 9 Nov 2017 at 7:53 am, Todd Holmberg mailto:tholmb...@artsmia.org>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hello Everyone, Good thread- very informative. Since the topic of freezing is going on here, I was wondering if I could pick your brains on a few things. Hopefully this doesn't take us to far off topic. 1) Does anyone here have strong opinions about the mil of plastic used in freezing treatments? Is there a good "go to mil" that you like for freezing bags? Is the only downside to a thinner mil its greater likelihood of tearing, or does it have a less desirable affect in other aspects of freezing too? 2) How big of a problem is it, when loading a freezer, if a small scuff is made in the plastic? If there is any hole/scuff in the plastic membrane (even a small fraction of an inch) does that compromise the object inside? If the scuff is made only on the outer bag, and it is "double bagged", does that outer bag need to be taken off and "re-bagged"? If anyone has opinions on these issues I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks! Todd Holmberg Collection Maintenance Technician Minneapolis Institute of Art On Wed, Nov 8, 2017 at 2:13 PM, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Excellent idea, Joel! Will save so me much time and tears. Many thanks. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Excellent idea, Joel! Will save so me much time and tears. Many thanks. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Voron, Joel Sent: Wednesday, 08 November 2017 09:09:25 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- If you can make a small breech in the wrap without risking the pieces you could get the desiccant packets in without the hassle of unwrapping them and just tape up the slit. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org [1474552137245_IMG_0499.JPG] From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Hazra Medica Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 8:02:39 AM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Joel, Thank you for this bit of information. I'll unwrap and re-wrap with the necessary precautions to avoid causing any unnecessary harm. Best regards. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Voron, Joel Sent: Wednesday, 08 November 2017 06:31:25 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- If the RH inside the bags is 30% to 50% mold should not be an issue. Usually 60% and above is where you run into problems. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org<mailto:jvo...@cwf.org> [X] On Nov 7, 2017, at 5:25 PM, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Alex, Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to my questions. I've indeed been thinking freezing might be my best option. I do have another question given your mention of the risk of mould. How long is it safe to have these items bagged/wrapped tightly in plastic before we subject them to freezing? I am trying my best to move rather quickly with this project but sometimes things go slow. Best regards. Hazra Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net> mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net>> on behalf of Alex Roach mailto:alexro...@modifiedatmospheres.com.au>> Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 20:31:30 To: pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Hazra Bagging infested/suspect materials and freezing will be a great approach for treatment of the items.
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Joel, Thank you for this bit of information. I'll unwrap and re-wrap with the necessary precautions to avoid causing any unnecessary harm. Best regards. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Voron, Joel Sent: Wednesday, 08 November 2017 06:31:25 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- If the RH inside the bags is 30% to 50% mold should not be an issue. Usually 60% and above is where you run into problems. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org<mailto:jvo...@cwf.org> [X] On Nov 7, 2017, at 5:25 PM, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Alex, Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to my questions. I've indeed been thinking freezing might be my best option. I do have another question given your mention of the risk of mould. How long is it safe to have these items bagged/wrapped tightly in plastic before we subject them to freezing? I am trying my best to move rather quickly with this project but sometimes things go slow. Best regards. Hazra Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net> mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net>> on behalf of Alex Roach mailto:alexro...@modifiedatmospheres.com.au>> Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 20:31:30 To: pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Hazra Bagging infested/suspect materials and freezing will be a great approach for treatment of the items. Storing the (treated) materials up off the floor post freezing (i.e. on blocks or tables) will enable you to keep an eye out for further termite attack. If you're dealing with drywood termites then even small wooden items can contain colonies, but again freezing would be a suitable approach (assuming items won't be damaged by freezing). You could go down the low oxygen path for treatment, but it's much more expensive. One large bag could be used to treat the entire collection, or you could make several smaller bags. The small bag approach provides you with a stable storage environment for the collection while you work through cataloging, etc. Another major advantage is that you won't be facing a mould problem when it comes time to open the bags (a real risk when leaving items bagged in pe in poor conditions). As for treatment of the termite infestation (if you're looking at staying in the same building) it will depend upon the species of termite that is attacking, building type and other factors. Assuming that they're subterranean termites then baiting may be suitable as it will allow you to destroy the colony, but you may also be able to locate and destroy the nest directly. Best wishes Alex On Tue, 7 Nov 2017 at 2:11 am, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Thank you so much for that
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Thanks, Alex! I did come across a document suggesting the use of a desiccant but that was after I had already wrapped the items to protect them from termites and hurricanes. I shall "cheerfully" unwrap everything I've sealed like death and do as you have suggested. Thank you for being so quick and thoughtful with your responses. Warm regards. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Alex Roach Sent: Tuesday, 07 November 2017 23:35:21 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Hazra It's a bit hard to say with mould. Some mould attacks can spread very quickly, but it depends on the conditions (i.e. heat and rh), the material being stored, the mould type and how much mould is present. Given the urgency of your problem freezing is a good way to go, but maybe you could use barrier bags (the ones we use for low oxygen work) instead of PE for freezing? The benefits are the conditions inside the bag won't fluctuate like they can in PE bags and the barrier properties prevent most pests from finding the bagged items (e.g. silverfish). Barrier bags come in a range of pre-fab sizes - check with Jerry Shiner at Keepsafe for sizes, etc. If the storage area is high in humidity then you might want to consider placing a desiccant or buffer in the bags before you seal them? Best wishes Alex On Wed, 8 Nov 2017 at 9:24 am, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Alex, Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to my questions. I've indeed been thinking freezing might be my best option. I do have another question given your mention of the risk of mould. How long is it safe to have these items bagged/wrapped tightly in plastic before we subject them to freezing? I am trying my best to move rather quickly with this project but sometimes things go slow. Best regards. Hazra Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net> mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net>> on behalf of Alex Roach mailto:alexro...@modifiedatmospheres.com.au>> Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 20:31:30 To: pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Hazra Bagging infested/suspect materials and freezing will be a great approach for treatment of the items. Storing the (treated) materials up off the floor post freezing (i.e. on blocks or tables) will enable you to keep an eye out for further termite attack. If you're dealing with drywood termites then even small wooden items can contain colonies, but again freezing would be a suitable approach (assuming items won't be damaged by freezing). You could go down the low oxygen path for treatment, but it's much more expensive. One large bag could be used to treat the entire collection, or you could make several smaller bags. The small bag approach provides you with a stable storage environment for the collection while you work through cataloging, etc. Another major advantage is that you won't be facing a mould problem when it comes time to open the bags (a real risk when leaving items bagged in pe in poor conditions). As for treatment of the termite infestation (if you're looking at staying in the same building) it will depend upon the species of termite that is attacking, building type and other factors.
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Alex, Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to my questions. I've indeed been thinking freezing might be my best option. I do have another question given your mention of the risk of mould. How long is it safe to have these items bagged/wrapped tightly in plastic before we subject them to freezing? I am trying my best to move rather quickly with this project but sometimes things go slow. Best regards. Hazra Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net on behalf of Alex Roach Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 20:31:30 To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hi Hazra Bagging infested/suspect materials and freezing will be a great approach for treatment of the items. Storing the (treated) materials up off the floor post freezing (i.e. on blocks or tables) will enable you to keep an eye out for further termite attack. If you're dealing with drywood termites then even small wooden items can contain colonies, but again freezing would be a suitable approach (assuming items won't be damaged by freezing). You could go down the low oxygen path for treatment, but it's much more expensive. One large bag could be used to treat the entire collection, or you could make several smaller bags. The small bag approach provides you with a stable storage environment for the collection while you work through cataloging, etc. Another major advantage is that you won't be facing a mould problem when it comes time to open the bags (a real risk when leaving items bagged in pe in poor conditions). As for treatment of the termite infestation (if you're looking at staying in the same building) it will depend upon the species of termite that is attacking, building type and other factors. Assuming that they're subterranean termites then baiting may be suitable as it will allow you to destroy the colony, but you may also be able to locate and destroy the nest directly. Best wishes Alex On Tue, 7 Nov 2017 at 2:11 am, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Thank you so much for that note, Joel. Admittedly, my main goal right now is attempting to ensure that we're left with something to preserve until I get the "go ahead" to have the items removed and the suitable expert brought in to safeguard this very valuable collection. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. ____ From: Voron, Joel mailto:jvo...@cwf.org>> Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 10:20:56 To: Hazra Medica Cc: pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics Key note . wooden items would need to have a moisture content less than 19% in order for bag/isolation to be faster and a total guaranteed success depending of the extent and species of the termites. In case other are thinking this may work for all situations. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org<mailto:jvo...@cwf.org> [X] On Nov 6, 2017, at 9:06 AM, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hello, Kindly permit me to intervene into this space to ask for safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for remedying severe termite infestations of artefacts and documentary heritage that are slated to become part
Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics
This is a message from the Museumpests.net List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Thank you so much for that note, Joel. Admittedly, my main goal right now is attempting to ensure that we're left with something to preserve until I get the "go ahead" to have the items removed and the suitable expert brought in to safeguard this very valuable collection. Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. From: Voron, Joel Sent: Monday, 06 November 2017 10:20:56 To: Hazra Medica Cc: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Suggestions re solutions for termite infestation in the tropics Key note . wooden items would need to have a moisture content less than 19% in order for bag/isolation to be faster and a total guaranteed success depending of the extent and species of the termites. In case other are thinking this may work for all situations. JTV Joel Voron Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Conservation Dept. Integrated Pest Management Office 757-220-7080 Cell 757-634-1175 E-Mail jvo...@cwf.org<mailto:jvo...@cwf.org> [X] On Nov 6, 2017, at 9:06 AM, Hazra Medica mailto:hazra.med...@ab.gov.ag>> wrote: This is a message from the Museumpests.net<http://Museumpests.net> List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net<mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net> To unsubscribe look at the footer of this email. --- Hello, Kindly permit me to intervene into this space to ask for safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for remedying severe termite infestations of artefacts and documentary heritage that are slated to become part of a special museum collection. We have inherited a collection of artefacts and documents, many of which show clear signs of termite infestation or damage from said infestation and which are currently still being housed in a building suffering severe disrepair. In an effort to curtail the spread of the infestation whilst the pieces are still in their unsuitable environment, I have taken to bagging (wrapping the wooden sculptures in plastic bags and sealing them with tape. I have also isolated documents in bags. Removal from the premises is understood as a necessary step to ensure the rehabilitation of these items. Also, freezing has been suggested as well as anoxia. Any advice you give will be greatly appreciated as this is very new territory for us. Best regards Hazra C. Medica Advisor/Consultant on Cultural Matters Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals St. John's, Antigua W.I. - To unsubscribe from this list send an email to imail...@museumpests.net<mailto:imail...@museumpests.net> and in the body put: "unsubscribe pestlist" Any problems email l...@zaks.com<mailto:l...@zaks.com> - To unsubscribe from this list send an email to imail...@museumpests.net and in the body put: "unsubscribe pestlist" Any problems email l...@zaks.com