ABSTRACT
The use of molecular techniques to control infestation problems in agriculture, the food industry, and in health-related areas, has been reported. Complete and living insects in the pupal, larval or adult stages are easily found in objects such as books or textiles, but altarpieces wood furniture and polychrome sculptures often suffer infestations in areas where it is difficult to take appropriate samples. Owing to their full range of developmental stages, these beetles have been used as experimental models for investigating the effects of de-infestation methods on insect mortality. Eradication methods by non-toxic chemical such as inert gases are useful for the de-infestation of historic objects. However, new procedures should be investigated to eliminate infestation in the building structures. Thus, eradication plans are not always effective at eliminating populations completely in the museum and re-infestation can occur, enhanced by inadequate control of environmental conditions.
