Hi Suzi I would suggest a two-pronged approach. First, lightly spray the exterior of the sculptures with a synthetic pyrethroid (Cislin or similar), then treat any areas of fungal decay with a borate. Best wishes Alex
On Tue, 20 Aug 2019 at 5:22 pm, Suzi Shaw <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi All, > > > > We have two large (2.5m) wooden sculptures approx. 3500 kg each that have > been outdoors and have a history of being treated for termites, fungus and > wood rot in the past. The sculptures are now stored indoors in a > climate-controlled space with other crated artworks, but we’ve recently > noticed a lot of small white spider nests and tiny spiders active on them. > There are a lot of crevices from timber splits, and we’re unsure how to > kill them all (due to all the crevices) and ensure the spiders don’t infest > other works nearby. The sculptures have been treated with oils in the > recent past but remain quite fragile from the past fungal damage, and to > compound the issue they are incredibly heavy and logistically very > challenging and costly to move. Would anyone have any low tech suggestions > we could try to eradicate them? At this stage moving them is not an option. > > > > Attached is a picture of one on the object (poor quality apologies), and > another of a captured and a bit squished spider (approx. 4mm across, > possibly a wall spider *oecobius navus*?), and an image showing the small > white web nests. > > > > Thank you, > > Suzi (Melbourne, Australia) > > > > Suzi Shaw > Conservator, Frames and Furniture > > National Gallery of Victoria > 180 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004 > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/180+St+Kilda+Road+Melbourne+VIC+3004?entry=gmail&source=g> > T: +61 3 8620 2123 > F: +61 3 8620 2555 > > NGV.MELBOURNE > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ls_mCzvO14cPNQJT2-gjg?domain=ngv.melbourne> > > *We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Melbourne.* > > > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/vQobCANZBXsmJL7TR6qQN?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > > Follow us at NGV Melbourne: Facebook > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/iRIGCBNZDXsZJpEIgsllI?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > | Instagram > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/PcDVCD1jGZF6rNgU9oEc5?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > | Pinterest > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/zgVfCE8kJXFAoVRIjByf1?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > | Twitter > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/THj9CGvmLXcyZKjs4GYQ8?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > Share your experience via the hashtag #ngv while here, then come > behind-the-scenes, keep up to date and interact with us post-visit. > Visit the NGV Blog > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/X3eACJypOKI4L30toerjw?domain=blog.ngv.vic.gov.au> > and sign up to NGV e-news > <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/S_lbCK1qP7FAxz3IZ5IPR?domain=ngv.vic.gov.au> > > *DISCLAIMER:* This email and any files transmitted with it are > confidential and intended solely for [email protected]. If you > are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute, copy or > alter this email. *WARNING:* Although the National Gallery of Victoria > has taken reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this > email, the organisation cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage > arising from the use of this email or attachments. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Museumpests" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/SYXPR01MB1245A3979A834542830AF6328BAB0%40SYXPR01MB1245.ausprd01.prod.outlook.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/SYXPR01MB1245A3979A834542830AF6328BAB0%40SYXPR01MB1245.ausprd01.prod.outlook.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- *Alex Roach* *Director* Modified Atmospheres *M:* 0414 663 472 ABN: 66 164 577 557 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Museumpests" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/CAOt7HWAx4%3DaH1JMZtB5BD5U-wMg8VbbO2tOMDZUYi10fT4oXeg%40mail.gmail.com.
