Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Nitrogen is not totally inert, reacts with some metals that can be used as pigments.. Fungi acceleration is after opening the chamber, not in the chamber. More researchs needs to be done in this area, hopefully it will be. Bill In a message dated 10/13/2010 9:53:11 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, step...@stephan-schaefer.com writes: Re: Choice of Argon vs. Nitrogen for the treatment and control of insect infestation In reference to the questionable statement, that inert gases other than argon are likely to foster fungal growth I think it is important to clarify some issues regarding the use of either gas for the control of insect pests and the influence on microbiological activity. First of all, both gases are entirely inert and scientific research has proven their full efficacy in eliminating all types of insect pests in all life stages (given that specific conditions are being maintained and controlled during treatment). Second, fungal germination and growth depends upon the substrate and ambient conditions. Actually, most of us will intuitively know that fungal and bacterial development only occurs at higher humidity levels and where there is lack of ventilation. Actually, the threshold level lies somewhere around 70% relative humidity. Below about 65% there is literally no risk for fungal and bacterial proliferation. My third and probably most important point is why nitrogen anoxia will foster fungal growth although it is known to be a strong inhibitor of microbiological activity?? From scientific research we only know, that some anaerobic microorganisms are able to survive under nitrogen anoxia conditions. The other more practical consideration is that during anoxia treatments, the humidity inside the bubble should always be controlled and certainly kept below 65% RH, so the likelihood of fungal growth inside the bubble under anoxic conditions is absolutely zero, whether nitrogen or argon is used. Furthermore, we are only speaking about a treatment period of approximately 30 days, the time needed to kill all insects in all developmental stages. Therefore, I think the issues of fungal growth are much more related to the environment and ambient conditions where the objects in question are being kept at all times, rather than the short period inside a bubble where they remain during an anoxic treatment and where conditions should be controlled anyway. In own experiments, where I sealed wet paper and books in gas barrier bags with Ageless oxygen absorbers, where the remaining gas is mainly nitrogen, no fungal growth was noticeable after about 50 days. The bags were kept at about 20 - 22 °C and the control that was sealed with atmospheric air inside has shown noticeable fungal and probably bacterial growth after about 72 hours. This in itself proves that fungal growth is not an issue with respect to the choice of the gas (argon or nitrogen) when considering anoxia treatment in order to eliminate insect pests. Additionally, it may be interesting to consider cost, as argon is a lot more expensive than nitrogen which is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere. I would be very interested in hearing other peoples comments on the subject. Stephan Schäfer STEPHAN SCHÄFER Conservação e Restauração ltda. Rua Manduri, 400 - Jd. Paulistano 01457-020 São Paulo, Brazil Tel./Fax: 00 xx 11 3816-0489 Cel: 00 xx 11 8366-0230 e-mail: _step...@stephan-schaefer.com_ (mailto:step...@stephan-schaefer.com) - - Prof. Dipl. Rest. Stephan Schäfer Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT) Departamento de Conservação Restauro 2829-516 Caparica - Lisboa PORTUGAL e-mail: _sc...@fct.unl.pt_ (mailto:sc...@fct.unl.pt) - At 19:22 08.10.2010, you wrote: Dear Dr. Diego; The most reasonable option is to use anoxic system, specially with argon protocol. This is due to the fact other inert gases are likely to foster fungal growth. Please give me a call when you can, and I'll be pleased to help you as I'm using argon's anoxia systems here in Brazil for over ten years. Best regards, Ulisses Mello, Dip. Cons., PG Art Care do Brasil Mobile: +55 21 98979074 Office: +55 21 25587749 2010/10/8 Revelez, Marcia A. _mreve...@ou.edu_ (mailto:mreve...@ou.edu) Forwarding this for a colleague. Please respond to Deigo (email below). Thanks! Marcia A. Revelez Collection Manager Department of Mammalogy Division of Collections and Research Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History University of Oklahoma 2401 Chautauqua Norman, OK 73072 Phone: 405-325-7988 Fax: 405-325-7699 Begin
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Dear pestlist friends, From our experience, when it comes to funghi anoxia doesn't interfere with them (at least at a point that could be considered a treatment). For this kind of problems mixing insects and funghi, we use anoxia and for selected critical items with fungus we find freezing and unfreezing cicles very effective in funghi killing (both outside and inside the books). -- Rui Marto Fonseca Gestor Produto / Product Manager Tlm: 00351 917885010 EXPM, Desinfestacao e Higienizacao, Lda Equipamentos e Servicos para Preservacao e Conservacao de Acervos / Equipment Services for the Preservation and Maintenance of Collections ESCRITORIO / OFFICE: Rua dos Ciprestes, 48 - Edificio Office no Estoril - 2765-623 Estoril Tel: 00351 214661910 / Fax: 00351 214661523 / Email: rfons...@expm.com.pt SEDE / HEADQUARTER: R. Prof. Dias Valente, n.32 - Edificio Copacabana, 4B - 2765-578 Estoril ARMAZEM / STOREHOUSE: R. Fonte da Carreira, 350 - Armazem 10 A - Mata Sete - Manique de Baixo - 2645-467 Alcabideche Tel: 00351 210936238
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
This is a message from the Pest Management Database List. To post to this list send it as an email to pestlist@museumpests.net To unsubscribe please look at the footer of this email. --- I want to put in a word for thermal treatments. Both high and low temperatures, of course, are as effective as anoxia, and many conservators, includin some in charge of large ethnographic and natural science collections, have used one or the other on thousands of objects over many years, with excellent results. It seems to me that high-tech has a great deal of appeal for a wide range of reasons, not all of them scientific! One, unfortunately, is the lack of access to a substantial amount of research carried out at the Canadian Conservation Institute on both heating and cooling, and including RH studies and conditions required for a complete kill. The RH situation is somewhat counter-intuitive, but has to do with what happens when an object takes up almost all of the volume of a countainer, with relatively little air. The CCI Technical Bulletin no. 29, available at www.cci-icc.gc.ca/bookstore/index-e.cfm is a good place to start. This includes specifications for using ambient outdoor weather condition for both heating and cooling, as well as the more usual sources. Some of the research, however, was published in obscure conference prodeedings, and not all are in AATA . You can find more references to the work on B-CIN (www.bcin.ca). If it's easier to look under authors, try Tom Strang. Barbara Appelbaum -- Appelbaum Himmelstein 444 Central Park West New York, NY 10025 Conservation of Works of Art 212-666-4630 aa...@mindspring.com www.AandHconservation.org - To send an email to the list, send your msg to pestl...@museumpests.com To unsubscribe from this list send an email to imail...@museumpests.net and in the body put: unsubscribe pestlist Any problems email l...@zaks.com
Re: R: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Argon is a by product of collecting nitrogen, no extra cost involved. Yes, nitrogen is used most often based on cost and easier to contain in a chamber. Nitrogen does not penetrate as well as argon, look at your periodic table for weights. Use your FTIR to test argon verses nitrogen on real Art objects. You will be surprised. Nitrogen chambers just like yours were being made by Rentokil long before you were involved 10 years ago. Nitrogen was used during the Second World War to kill insects and rodents in food sources. There are some references dating to 1890's in Australia using nitrogen for insects. It was a by product in ice making then. Rentokil followed Bob Koestler lectures before creating their nitrogen generator system. Look back at the research papers in the mid 1980's early 1990's full of information in the beginning years I have been working with anoxic chambers for 20+ years some of those years in a Conservation department at a major museum. Why is the United State Constitution the most important document in our history stored under argon not nitrogen gas? Do your research learn about the differences between argon and nitrogen its an interesting trip. I have about 5 years into the comparison still learning. Bill Art Care International In a message dated 10/13/2010 10:53:23 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, rgi...@tiscali.it writes: The letter of Stephan Schaefer is simply perfect I have been the coordinator of the SAVE ART project of European Union and our team (Italy, Spain, Sweden and UK) has certified the anoxia method (Nitrogen) to eradicate insect pests carried ot by VELOXY equipment (VEry Low OXY). It was almost ten years ago and until now I never heard about microrganisms problems This is a matter of humidity. There is no difference among Argon and N2 to kill pests but there is a great difference in costs. Moreover, to separate Argon from air implies a great consumption of energy and to produce energy means pollution of environment. Ercole Gialdi (rgi...@tiscali.it) Messaggio originale Da: step...@stephan-schaefer.com Data: 13/10/2010 15.44 A: pestlist@museumpests.net Ogg: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Re: Choice of Argon vs. Nitrogen for the treatment and control of insect infestation In reference to the questionable statement, that inert gases other than argon are likely to foster fungal growth I think it is important to clarify some issues regarding the use of either gas for the control of insect pests and the influence on microbiological activity. First of all, both gases are entirely inert and scientific research has proven their full efficacy in eliminating all types of insect pests in all life stages (given that specific conditions are being maintained and controlled during treatment). Second, fungal germination and growth depends upon the substrate and ambient conditions. Actually, most of us will intuitively know that fungal and bacterial development only occurs at higher humidity levels and where there is lack of ventilation. Actually, the threshold level lies somewhere around 70% relative humidity. Below about 65% there is literally no risk for fungal and bacterial proliferation. My third and probably most important point is why nitrogen anoxia will foster fungal growth although it is known to be a strong inhibitor of microbiological activity?? From scientific research we only know, that some anaerobic microorganisms are able to survive under nitrogen anoxia conditions. The other more practical consideration is that during anoxia treatments, the humidity inside the bubble should always be controlled and certainly kept below 65% RH, so the likelihood of fungal growth inside the bubble under anoxic conditions is absolutely zero, whether nitrogen or argon is used. Furthermore, we are only speaking about a treatment period of approximately 30 days, the time needed to kill all insects in all developmental stages. Therefore, I think the issues of fungal growth are much more related to the environment and ambient conditions where the objects in question are being kept at all times, rather than the short period inside a bubble where they remain during an anoxic treatment and where conditions should be controlled anyway. In own experiments, where I sealed wet paper and books in gas barrier bags with Ageless oxygen absorbers, where the remaining gas is mainly nitrogen, no fungal growth was noticeable after about 50 days. The bags were kept at about 20 - 22 °C and the control that was sealed with atmospheric air inside has shown noticeable fungal and probably bacterial growth after about 72 hours. This in itself proves that fungal growth is not an issue with respect to the choice of the gas (argon or nitrogen) when considering anoxia
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Friends - I recall many years ago, when ethylene oxide was in vogue, the Italians reported fumigated articles were more prone to fungal development after fumigation than before. Perhaps someone is confusing the nitrogen/argon thing with the old reports generated when ethylene oxide was the fumigant of choice. Having worked with all sorts of institutions operating anoxic chambers, there are pros and cons to each gas - nitrogen vs. argon. If someone is using a large bag system, introduction of the heavier-than-air argon into the bottom will force all the interior air out of the top. The top vent is then sealed. In fact, several individuals simply use large, polyethylene trash cans, which are outfitted with an inlet fitting on the bottom outside edge and a release valve in the top center of the lid. The lid is taped onto the trash can, the valve at the top is opened, the argon is introduced at the bottom, and in short order, the top valve is then closed, resulting in a trash can full of pure argon. Doesn't get much simpler than that. Thomas A. Parker, PhD -Original Message- From: Kate Payne avikate...@yahoo.com To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Wed, Oct 13, 2010 3:49 pm Subject: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Thanks for sharing your thoughts, all, this has gotten quite interesting. I think for some of us who have our own set-ups going, we've found that companies who will rent cylinders of nitrogen and/or argon at the purity required for anoxic treatments generally charge more for argon cylinder rentals ($10-$20 more per cylinder, if I'm remembering correctly). It would be fascinating to know more (from a mycologist's perspective) about fungal issues nitrogen vs. argon, but it would seem in practice that high humidity with the right amount of warmth seem to be greater factors in terms of fungal spores developing into a full fledged fungal infestation. I think it's important to find a common ground to provide information and access to pest eradication methods for conservation professionals everywhere. Some will find it more feasible to work with nitrogen, some with argon, some with carbon dioxide, and some on a small scale might find it best to work with oxygen scavengers. Rather than watch the discussion devolve into a competition between commercial providers, perhaps we'd best look to publications like this: Inert Gases in the Control of Museum Insect Pests http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications/pdf_publications/inertgases.pdf and realize that there are merits in each of the different methods and plenty of room for research and growth. I've also attached the research article that Steve Pine referenced, just in case anyone was unable to access the .pdf online. With a bit of ingenuity, anyone can create an anoxic treatment set-up. Additionally there are temperature methods (as mentioned in a previous comment to this thread), and each conservation professional can do a bit of research and assess what is right for their particular situation. Happy bug-killing! Cheers! Kate Payne de Chavez From: wlou...@aol.com wlou...@aol.com To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Wed, October 13, 2010 2:45:21 PM Subject: Re: R: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Argon is a by product of collecting nitrogen, no extra cost involved. Yes, nitrogen is used most often based on cost and easier to contain in a chamber. Nitrogen does not penetrate as well as argon, look at your periodic table for weights. Use your FTIR to test argon verses nitrogen on real Art objects. You will be surprised. Nitrogen chambers just like yours were being made by Rentokil long before you were involved 10 years ago. Nitrogen was used during the Second World War to kill insects and rodents in food sources. There are some references dating to 1890's in Australia using nitrogen for insects. It was a by product in ice making then. Rentokil followed Bob Koestler lectures before creating their nitrogen generator system. Look back at the research papers in the mid 1980's early 1990's full of information in the beginning years I have been working with anoxic chambers for 20+ years some of those years in a Conservation department at a major museum. Why is the United State Constitution the most important document in our history stored under argon not nitrogen gas? Do your research learn about the differences between argon and nitrogen its an interesting trip. I have about 5 years into the comparison still learning. Bill Art Care International In a message dated 10/13/2010 10:53:23 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, rgi...@tiscali.it writes: The letter of Stephan Schaefer is simply perfect I have been the coordinator of the SAVE ART project of European Union and our team (Italy, Spain, Sweden and UK) has certified the anoxia method (Nitrogen) to eradicate insect pests carried ot by VELOXY
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
I know of one italian study by Flavia Pinzari that investigated the effect of low oxgen environmentes (they used nitrogen, I do not believe that argon was tested at all) on fungi. There was indeed one Aspergillus species that produced more spores after the anoxia treatment than its untreated counterpart. This reaction was possibly independant of the kind of gas used. However, it was most likely a so-called SOS-response. Some microorganisms are capable of reacting to adverse conditions in a way that may save the organism from dying. This might be a wide variety of different responses, one of them is increased sporulation. This is a very logic behavior, as the spores may be transported far away where the environmental conditions might be more favorable. However, this does not mean that all fungi have that behaviour, in fact the increased sporulation of is more likely to be an exception than the rule. Also, the experiment was performed on nutrient agar plates,which means that these are ideal growth conditions for fungi with sufficient nutrients and humidity. I doubt, that the fungus would respond in the same manner if the environment was dry, meaning that the activity of the fungus would be significantly decreased. However, I do agree that more research on this topic is needed! Cheers, Stefanie Scheerer _ Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Mikrobiologie Restaurierung www.biophil-art.com tel. 0711-91275899 From: Rui Marto Fonseca - EXPM Lda. rfons...@expm.com.pt To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Wed, October 13, 2010 4:57:32 PM Subject: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Dear pestlist friends, From our experience, when it comes to funghi anoxia doesn't interfere with them (at least at a point that could be considered a treatment). For this kind of problems mixing insects and funghi, we use anoxia and for selected critical items with fungus we find freezing and unfreezing cicles very effective in funghi killing (both outside and inside the books). -- Rui Marto Fonseca Gestor Produto / Product Manager Tlm: 00351 917885010 EXPM, Desinfestacao e Higienizacao, Lda Equipamentos e Servicos para Preservacao e Conservacao de Acervos / Equipment Services for the Preservation and Maintenance of Collections ESCRITORIO / OFFICE: Rua dos Ciprestes, 48 - Edificio Office no Estoril - 2765-623 Estoril Tel: 00351 214661910 / Fax: 00351 214661523 / Email: rfons...@expm.com.pt SEDE / HEADQUARTER: R. Prof. Dias Valente, n.32 - Edificio Copacabana, 4B - 2765-578 Estoril ARMAZEM / STOREHOUSE: R. Fonte da Carreira, 350 - Armazem 10 A - Mata Sete - Manique de Baixo - 2645-467 Alcabideche Tel: 00351 210936238
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Argon is generally considered an inert gas. Please clarify why you are claiming that 'inert' gases are likely to foster fungal growth. You mentioning your use of argon systems for over 10 years would seem to contradict your own claim. Any inert gas that can be use to displace O2 should actually inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. One need only look to the use of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in food packaging used to increase shelf life. Many thanks for any literature links you could send us to clarify what you meant. -Kate Payne de Chavez From: ulisses mello ume...@gmail.com To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Fri, October 8, 2010 6:22:18 PM Subject: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Dear Dr. Diego; The most reasonable option is to use anoxic system, specially with argon protocol. This is due to the fact other inert gases are likely to foster fungal growth. Please give me a call when you can, and I'll be pleased to help you as I'm using argon's anoxia systems here in Brazil for over ten years. Best regards, Ulisses Mello, Dip. Cons., PG Art Care do Brasil Mobile: +55 21 98979074 Office: +55 21 25587749 2010/10/8 Revelez, Marcia A. mreve...@ou.edu Forwarding this for a colleague. Please respond to Deigo (email below). Thanks! Marcia A. Revelez Collection Manager Department of Mammalogy Division of Collections and Research Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History University of Oklahoma 2401 Chautauqua Norman, OK 73072 Phone: 405-325-7988 Fax: 405-325-7699 Begin forwarded message: From: Diego Astua de Moraes d.a.mor...@gmail.com Date: October 8, 2010 12:43:07 PM CDT To: mamma...@si-listserv.si.edu Subject: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Reply-To: Mammalian Biology mamma...@si-listserv.si.edu Hi all. In a matter of days bugs have started to show in our skin cabinets. According to our entomologist they should be beetles that feed on wood or cellulose (sorry if the family names escapes right now), but other entomology curators have seen these eating almost everything in other regions of Brazil. Regardless of what they are, I want them all dead now! In short, I need to get rid of them as quickly as possible, before the damage increases. Freezing is unpractical at this point, too many specimens and too little freezer space (we are talking about 3 cabinets with beetles confirmed, and about 3-4 others still intact, but that I want to protect as well). I´ve had suggestions of fumigating the entire cabinets using PDB balls, but I can´t seem to be able to find those here quickly. Our entomology colleagues have suggested to use ethyl acetate and seal the cabinets so that it kills adults and larvae. My main doubt is if there is any knowledge that this may damage severely the skins (because if i don´t do anything quickly they are being damaegd anyway!), and if this would be enough. I am not sure about the amounts, I´ve read of a cotton ball in ethyl acetate to fumigate a small container to kill the ectoparasites of a single specimen, bu what about a whole cabinet? And how long should it be kept sealed? Or are there any other quick solutions, remembering that many easy solutions are now radily found around here! thanks for any help. Diego Diego Astúa de Moraes, D.Sc. Departamento de Zoologia - CCB Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária 50670-420 Recife, PE Fone(fax): (81) 2126-8353 email: d.a.mor...@gmail.com - diegoas...@ufpe.br http://www.ufpe.br/mastozoologia/
RE: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Hello all: Please excuse my clumsy cut and paste email but I wanted to send this out before I forget. There is a study citation online that gives some indication of the impact of inert gas in high concentration on fungi. Bob Koestler was part of the team. Effect of anoxic conditions on wood-decay fungi treated with argon or nitrogen , References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=full_orig=search_origin=search_cdi=6030_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=1557833c607a38089a9622a6325779f0searchtype=a this article. C. Tavzes http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a#m4.cor* , a http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a#aff1 , F. Pohlevena http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a#aff1 and R. J. Koestlerb http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a#aff2 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VG6-44PX3Y9-5_user=10_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2001_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1495084603_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C50221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=89a7cab44e3a595c5f146e64efc12015searchtype=a In addition I've found that Dr. Valentin cited studies that assert anoxia suppressed bacterial and fungal growth. Valentín, N. 1990 Insect eradication in museums and archives by oxygen replacement, a pilot project. In ICOM Committee for Conservation 9th Triennial Meeting, Dresden, German Democratic Republic, 26-31 August 1990, Preprints, vol. 2, ed. K. Grimstad, 821-23. Los Angeles: ICOM Committee for Conservation. Steve Steven Pine Decorative Arts Conservator The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston P.O. Box 6826 Houston, TX 77265 P. (713) 639-7731 C. (281) 546-7059 From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On Behalf Of Kate Payne Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 10:21 AM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Argon is generally considered an inert gas. Please clarify why you are claiming that 'inert' gases are likely to foster fungal growth. You mentioning your use of argon systems for over 10 years would seem to contradict your own claim. Any inert gas that can be use to displace O2 should actually inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. One need only look to the use of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in food packaging used to increase shelf life. Many thanks for any literature links you could send us to clarify what you meant. -Kate Payne de Chavez From: ulisses mello ume...@gmail.com To: pestlist@museumpests.net Sent: Fri, October 8, 2010 6:22:18 PM Subject: Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Dear Dr. Diego; The most reasonable option is to use anoxic system, specially with argon protocol. This is due to the fact other inert gases are likely to foster fungal growth. Please give me a call when you can, and I'll be pleased to help you as I'm using argon's anoxia systems here in Brazil for over ten years. Best regards, Ulisses Mello, Dip. Cons., PG Art Care do Brasil Mobile: +55 21 98979074 Office: +55 21 25587749 2010/10/8 Revelez, Marcia A. mreve...@ou.edu Forwarding this for a colleague. Please respond to Deigo (email below). Thanks
[pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Forwarding this for a colleague. Please respond to Deigo (email below). Thanks! Marcia A. Revelez Collection Manager Department of Mammalogy Division of Collections and Research Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History University of Oklahoma 2401 Chautauqua Norman, OK 73072 Phone: 405-325-7988 Fax: 405-325-7699 Begin forwarded message: From: Diego Astua de Moraes d.a.mor...@gmail.commailto:d.a.mor...@gmail.com Date: October 8, 2010 12:43:07 PM CDT To: mamma...@si-listserv.si.edumailto:mamma...@si-listserv.si.edu Subject: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation Reply-To: Mammalian Biology mamma...@si-listserv.si.edumailto:mamma...@si-listserv.si.edu Hi all. In a matter of days bugs have started to show in our skin cabinets. According to our entomologist they should be beetles that feed on wood or cellulose (sorry if the family names escapes right now), but other entomology curators have seen these eating almost everything in other regions of Brazil. Regardless of what they are, I want them all dead now! In short, I need to get rid of them as quickly as possible, before the damage increases. Freezing is unpractical at this point, too many specimens and too little freezer space (we are talking about 3 cabinets with beetles confirmed, and about 3-4 others still intact, but that I want to protect as well). I´ve had suggestions of fumigating the entire cabinets using PDB balls, but I can´t seem to be able to find those here quickly. Our entomology colleagues have suggested to use ethyl acetate and seal the cabinets so that it kills adults and larvae. My main doubt is if there is any knowledge that this may damage severely the skins (because if i don´t do anything quickly they are being damaegd anyway!), and if this would be enough. I am not sure about the amounts, I´ve read of a cotton ball in ethyl acetate to fumigate a small container to kill the ectoparasites of a single specimen, bu what about a whole cabinet? And how long should it be kept sealed? Or are there any other quick solutions, remembering that many easy solutions are now radily found around here! thanks for any help. Diego Diego Astúa de Moraes, D.Sc. Departamento de Zoologia - CCB Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária 50670-420 Recife, PE Fone(fax): (81) 2126-8353 email: d.a.mor...@gmail.commailto:d.a.mor...@gmail.com - diegoas...@ufpe.brmailto:diegoas...@ufpe.br http://www.ufpe.br/mastozoologia/
Re: [pestlist] Fwd: Fumigating cabinets - bug infestation
Can this stated claim, that other inert gasses suport fungal growth, be substantiated? I ask as a user of a pressure swing absorbtion nitrogen generator for pest treatments. Hugh Glover Williamstown USA On Oct 8, 2010 6:24 PM, ulisses mello ume...@gmail.com wrote:
