----- Original Message -----From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Pamela SilvestriTo: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 4:52 PMSubject: [MUSEUM-L] Serious Pest InfestationI'm resurrecting this issue once again. There has always been much discussion on the list about pest eradication/management and I have been struggling with small rodent infestations and previously posted for help from the list (thank you, thank you as always) but am now faced with having to take more serious action in an attempt to save our Museum's collections.We've been able to trap some mice, and shrews but none of the chipmunks and squirrels. And even catching several mice and shrews is not enough now because of the extensive infestation.The damage caused by these animals has taken a toll on our collections. Mainly textiles and paper/plastic. Everyday I'm discovering damage. Today I found a mouse nest in a uniform jacket hanging in the closet. The mouse/mice chewed a large hole through the back of the jacket (wool) and used this material along with pieces of fiberglass insulation (we're in the midst of building renovations/repair projects) for a nest inside the jacket.We only have two examples of these earliest uniform jackets - this one having been in the best condition of the two. The other item that was damaged is a newer commemorative cotton tapestry/throw. A chipmunk (we believe) has taken almost all the fringe for nesting (I haven't found the nest yet).I'm sure that I will discover more damaged items and pest activity in the days to come but in order to prevent more, I have no choice but to use Decon or a similar poison product.This is unfortunate to have it get to this point but preventative measures in this type of building were impossible. "Controlling" activity is not viable.The damaged textiles will have to go into plastic bins (some day for restoration of at least the uniform jacket)and now I'm wondering if I should put all the textiles in bins. There are several uniforms and other textiles on display in exhibits (at least 2 dozen items). One of the shirts displayed on a mannequin has holes from mice that occurred last year (as did a rare baseball uniform that is now in a glass display case).Storing all the textiles ultimately means closing the museum to the public until the Spring.Having weighed out all of this is why I've decided to try the Decon. If I set up traps with buckets of water, the poisoned animals should drown in the water so this should reduce the # that will die and decompose throughout the building.Any other suggestions/advice from the list...as always I'd greatly appreciate this. I've done the best that I could - even have all the supplies I need to work on much of the collections, but too many projects, too little time and it's only me doing this work. I'm still working on documents/files (new file cabinets - have been removing metal staples/clips, interweaving documents, archival folders, re-labeling, etc. phew!). And still recovering from major surgery I had 5 weeks ago!In the meantime, I am working towards finding volunteers to assist with some of these immediate needs -PamPamela Silvestri, Volunteer Assistant Museum Director========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
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