_los angeles ants, ant control in san diego, riverside, san bernardino, palm springs_ (http://about:blank) Straw Itch Mites: Extremely small, Straw Itch mites are a parasite to many insects, but they can also be a problem as their host insects infect straw, wheat, and grain products. They can cause dermatitis on humans who come in contact with infected products. They can usually only be detected with a microscope. Human contact with hay, especially sleeping on hay mattresses, is a common means of infection. Bites are almost always on the clothed portions of the body, and may not be noticed for 10 hours or more. These mites are also known as “ Grain Itch”, “Hay Itch”, and “Straw Mattress Mites.” and maybe these folks can help? _Memorial Hall Museum_ (http://about:blank) Indian House Memorial 107 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA 01342 United States _Map Indian House Memorial_ (http://www.planetware.com/map-of/deerfield-indian-house-memorial-us-ma-846.htm) Phone 1 (413) 772-0845 _http://www.old-deerfield.org/museum.htm_ (http://www.old-deerfield.org/museum.htm) "...try out a straw mattress...." --- part of their children's programs Barbara Hass, retired librarian In a message dated 10/8/2009 12:23:36 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Dear Listers, One of our historic sites is presently wrestling with the issue of a straw mattress in their historic house interior. The straw has been in place for many years and thus far not (to my knowledge) caused any problems, and the staff like to use the “crunchy” feel of the mattress as a teaching moment, giving children and school groups a tactile experience of how one aspect of life was different in the 19th century. They have received a recommendation as part of a conservation assessment to remove all organic materials (including the straw in the mattress ticking) from the house, which would also have been my first response as well. However, a board member also consulted a colleague in a university entomology department at the nearby university, who did some research and concluded that because the straw is “non-nutritive” it would likely not harbor any bugs other than perhaps mites (which would hopefully be a non-issue, because the beds are not used). I said I would check with the list to see if anyone has had any direct experience with pest infestation in straw mattresses, bales, etc. I’m also concerned that (leaving aside insects) straw might also harbor mice or other animals that use the straw as a nesting material. Also, has anyone found a good replacement for straw that would have that same tactile feel and look? As always, budget is a major issue. Elsewhere we use polyester fiberfill, but obviously that would feel nothing like straw. Thanks! Catherine E. Dean Curator of Collections Preservation Virginia 804-314-5049 FAX: 804-648-5880 [log in to unmask] ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).