Mold and Pest ID

MOLD IDENTIFICATION 

Visual ID: 

• May be any color. 

• Grows & develops in circular patterns. 

• Dots or circles which then expand in circular patterns. 

• Matte, not shiny or sparkly in raking light. 

Additional Observations 

• Contextual clues: 

• Liquid stains or other evidence of water damage. 

• Leaves or binding elements stuck together. 

• Change in surface of paper/cloth/leather either by color or texture.   

• There is often an odor associated with mold, but this cue might be obscured by staff wearing facial masks. 

• Please isolate any item suspected of mold infestation.  Whether mold is active or inactive is not critical to determine.  Isolation of the item(s) and reporting to Conservation is critical.     

PEST IDENTIFICATION - FRASS 

Visual ID: 

• May be any color but is most often light in color. 

• May look like dust or sand.   

• May be found in folds, wrinkles, and gutter of text block, or in enclosure.   

• Is often loose and will scatter when item or enclosure is moved.   

• Matte.   

Additional Observations 

• Contextual clues: 

• Often accompanied by insect carcass(es).   

• Often accompanied by damage to item in the form of insect grazing, holes or losses.