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Do you know the brand and model # of the ultrasonic unit?  Thanks!

Marc

American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
     4 Rockville Road
     Broad Brook, CT 06016
     www.conservator.com
     860-386-6058

*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Low-Tech Environmental Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Conservation Treatment of:
     Furniture
     Painted Wood
     Horse-Drawn Vehicles
     Architectural Interiors

Marc A. Williams, President
     MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
     Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
     Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lee Goodan 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:15 AM
  Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Serious Pest Infestation


  As regards the ultrasonic repeller.I used one at my old house when we had something living in the walls and attic.  After a few days, whatever was there had gone away and never came back.  When we moved into our current house, we started having mice problems in the pantry.  Again I used the device and the mice went away.  I agree it is a good solution for museums, because no chemicals are involved.  Best of luck.

   

  Lee Goodan

  Registrar

  The Gaston County Museum

   

   


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  From: Marc A Williams [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
  Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 7:46 PM
  Subject: Re: Serious Pest Infestation

   

  Pam,

   

  I agree with most of the preceding comments.  Having recently employed a cat in my own home, she is effective at pest control, but does scratch and jump up on everything.  I don't know if it would be possible to cat-proof a museum.  To begin with, it would have to be a declawed cat, at least the front feet.  I'm not sure how much of a crimp this would put in their rodent capturing ability.  Then, all fragile items would have to be moved from any surface lower than 6 feet high.  And, of course, they will leave their "presents" (dead animals) all over.  On the balance, cats could do more damage than they prevent.  It's a tough call.

   

  Fall to early winter is the problem time for rodents.  As the weather gets colder, they move indoors.  So one question, is your building heated?  If so, this may allow them to be active for much longer.  I would guess that at ambient winter temperatures, they may hibernate.  Of course, we haven't had winter weather yet......   I'm not complaining, mind you!

   

  Has anyone had any experience with ultrasonic repellers?  I've used a few, but can't say for sure that they worked.  If they do, they would be the ideal solution.  They are cheap, and for a hundred dollars or so, you could have a building that would be positively vibrating!  I have had success live trapping squirrels.  They love peanut butter.  But you must get them out of the trap quickly if you want them to survive.  The other thing that keeps rodents out is activity.  Clearly, it is impossible to staff the site 24 hours a day, but the more noise/movement, the less they are comfortable.  Perhaps playing loud music or even NPR talk at night would help?

   

  I'm not too far down the road from you.  Would a site visit be of assistance?

   

  Marc


  American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
       4 Rockville Road
       Broad Brook, CT 06016
       www.conservator.com
       860-386-6058

   

  *Collections Preservation Consultation
  *Conservation Assessments & Surveys
  *Low-Tech Environmental Control
  *Moisture Management Solutions
  *Collections in Historic Structures
  *Conservation Treatment of:
       Furniture
       Painted Wood
       Horse-Drawn Vehicles
       Architectural Interiors

   

  Marc A. Williams, President
       MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
       Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
       Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)

   

   

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Pamela Silvestri 

    To: [log in to unmask] 

    Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 4:52 PM

    Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Serious Pest Infestation

     

    I'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 - 

     

    Pam

     

     

    Pamela Silvestri, Volunteer Assistant Museum Director
    Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
    Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters
    166 Chestnut Hill Road
    Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
    Telephone: (860) 684-3430
    e-mail: [log in to unmask] or
    [log in to unmask]

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Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).