Evaluation the status of some storerooms in some Egyptian Museums regarding insect pests’ management

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

2 Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

3 Conservation Center, Grand Egyptian Museum, Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt

Abstract

In museums, pests can destroy highly precious and irreplaceable objects, causing serious and irreparable damage. Because organic objects are particularly prone to insect infestation, the goal of this study is to determine the value of implementing an Integrated Pest Management program (IPM) in Egyptian museums. It has long been usual to use control measures, when insect infestations are detected, but it has been proven that these are insufficient to keep insects away and protect the artefacts.  Recently, researchers have been paying more attention  to environmental sensitivity,  developing  more effective and  environmentally friendly  techniques and materials, and reducing the use of traditional pesticides such as Paradex, a para-dichlorobenzene. Furthermore, this study assesses the effectiveness of essential oils and pesticides that were used periodically every six months in protecting artefacts and preventing infestations inside museums, particularly after the appearance of insect pests in storerooms at both Mohamed Ali Palace in Al-Manyal and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir square, which were treated with cinnamon oil and subsequently monitored with sticky traps. This process aids professionals in determining the best treatment plan for eradicating insects and protecting the area from re-infestation following treatment.

Highlights

  • Investigating the status of storerooms in some Egyptian museums regarding pest management.
  • Selection of the storerooms in suitable museums for the present study.
  • Placement and monitoring the sticky traps that were chosen and distributed inside some storerooms of the selected museums.
  • Identifying the collected insects and insect pests that were caught by traps.
  • Interpreting the results of catches’ identification.

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