Integrated Pest Management

Insects and microorganisms can cause irreversible damage to objects of historical and artistic value. Preventing such damage is an essential element of best practices for the conservation of cultural property. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is considered an essential component of a comprehensive preventive conservation policy. Preventing pest damage is better for collections and more cost-effective than treating an active infestation, which can have a high destructive potential for objects of different materials. This course will introduce participants to various aspects of IPM: identification of key biological threats present in museums, libraries and archives; infestation prevention; catch and monitoring and treatment options for infested collections.