An initial evaluation of a novel cyphenothrin aerosol for the control of insect pests in museums

Trials with an experimental insecticide formulation based on the synthetic pyrethroid cyphenothrin dissolved in carbon dioxide are discussed. Two museum storerooms were treated. Separate batches of the insects, Lasioderma serricorne, Blattella germanica, Tineola bisselliella, Anthrenus verbasci, Liposcelis bostrychophila and Lepisma saccharina placed at a number of locations in the rooms, including less accessible ones, were all killed. The insecticide dose was found to be similar at all measuring sites, an improvement on some types of treatment. Carbon dioxide levels were monitored during the treatment and airing of the rooms, and were found to be below the UK short term exposure limit for the gas at all times. Some paint and paint components deemed to be potentially sensitive to carbon dioxide were exposed, and the treatment produced no adverse effects, as determined by colour measurement, micro‐chemical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Possible interactions between the insecticide and historic materials are discussed and found not to give cause for concern. The formulation shows promise for the treatment of insect‐infested storage and display areas, or of individual objects