Effects of pyrethrins

Jackie Zak <jzak<-a t->getty< . >edu> of the GCI inquired about the possible
effects of pyrethoid/pyrethrin-based insecticides on museum object
materials. I have used pyrethrins to control infestations of
dermestid beetles at one our historic house sites.  One of the
objects treated was a settee that is stuffed with horse hair and
covered with wool upholstery.  The pest control operator (PCO)
tented the object in polyethylene and proceeded to fumigate it. The
infestation was stopped and there were no noticeable changes to the
object in terms of color or stability of the materials.

There is not much information in the recent literature on the
specific nature of pyrethrin effects on materials.  The CCI
Technical Bulletin #15 states that reactivity with materials is
unknown, but the solvent based formulations might cause problems to
finishes, resins, and dyes. "A Guide to Museum Pest Control"
(AIC/ASC, 1988) does not list pyrethrins in it's insecticide effects
lists or charts.  The best policy to follow is not to allow any
insecticide chemical to come into direct contact with an object.

You might also want to contact the Bio Integral Resources Center in
Berkeley, CA at 415-524-2567.  They should be up on the latest
research in this area or can probably put you in touch with someone
who is.

Paul Storch

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:13
                  Distributed: Friday, August 1, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-13-012
                                  ***