Amanda, We used to have Christmas trees in our buildings for a one-week celebration. Although they never caused a pest problem in the building, they were sometimes displayed on tables with artifacts around their bases and we had problems with water being spilled on the artifacts or the tree-stand cover cloth wicking water out of the stand onto artifacts. To alleviate this problem, we made sure the trees were cut fresh and no water was used for the week after which the trees were quickly removed to prevent a fire hazard. Our biggest pest problem with such a celebration came from food that was left used in the building as decorations. It took us years to make enough fake food to eliminate that problem. Thank goodness we no longer do a holiday celebration. Rick Richard L. Kerschner Director of Preservation and Conservation Shelburne Museum PO Box 10, Route 7 Shelburne, VT 05482 (802) 985-3348 x3361 [email protected]
________________________________ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Trum, Amanda Streeter Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 1:08 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: [pestlist] Insects associated with Christmas trees Hello List, I received an inquiry from another museum about the possibility of displaying a Christmas tree in their building. I don't know where they want to display it or for how long. Are there any specific pests associated with trees that are potentially harmful to museum collections? Are there any trees that are better or worse than others in terms of pests? Thanks for your help! Amanda Amanda Streeter Trum Museum Collections Manager Montana Historical Society 225 N. Roberts PO Box 201201 Helena, MT 59620-1201 phone (406)444-4719 fax (406)444-2696 [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
