Hi Fletcher, We dealt with a similar problem earlier this year in Sarasota. In our case it was a historic doorframe (not original to the building) installed around one of our gallery doorways. Because tenting the entire museum wasn’t feasible, we deinstalled the doorframe, placed it in a truck and tented the truck. We found the termites preferentially attacked only that object; it’s been several months and we’ve seen no signs of termite activity in any other objects in that gallery.
We worked closely with our local pest control company, they deal with dry wood termites all the time and were very knowledgeable. I highly recommend finding a local company to discuss treatment options with. I know there are some topical treatments available, but to my knowledge none are as efficient or long lasting as a vikane treatment. If the infested pieces of wood are not structural or historic and can be easily replaced that will probably be your best bet. If you have any questions about how we treated our pieces I’d be happy to discuss it further with you. Best, Megan Salazar-Walsh Assistant Conservator The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art [cid:image001.jpg@01D20A94.8BF25DC0] (941) 359-5700 ext. 1603 megan.salazar-wa...@ringling.org 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243 www.ringling.org<http://www.ringling.org> Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may be subject to public disclosure. From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On Behalf Of Durant,Fletcher Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2016 12:41 PM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: [pestlist] Drywood Termites Dear Pestlist, I am seeking advice on the treatment of drywood termites in the structure of one of our historic library structures here at UF. We are aware that there are termites in the window frames in one of our archival storage rooms. The entire building holds special collections library and archival materials, reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and other public areas. We are investigating the extent of the infestation, as well as the approach that our campus facilities group recommends. We know that on other campus buildings, the approach is to tent and treat, but moving our collections is not feasible, so any treatment must be done with collections in situ. As both termites and (possible) building-wide treatment are new issues in my career, I am interested in any guidance or resources that you can share. Many thanks, Fletcher Fletcher Durant Preservation Librarian Smathers Libraries University of Florida (352) 273-2802
