What do we do if we discover mold or pest damage on archived records in long-term storage?

Discovering mold or pest activity on archived records is a preservation emergency, but it is a manageable one if you respond calmly and methodically. The goals are to protect people, stop the damage from spreading, salvage the affected records, and prevent a recurrence.

Act Quickly and Safely

Mold spores and pest droppings can pose real health risks. Before handling anything, protect staff with appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, an N95 or higher respirator, and eye protection. If the outbreak is large or you suspect hazardous contamination, stop and consult a conservator, an industrial hygienist, or your facilities and safety team before proceeding.

Isolate the Affected Records

Remove damaged items from the surrounding collection promptly so the problem does not spread. Place affected materials in a separate, well-ventilated holding area away from clean records. Do not seal actively moldy items in airtight plastic, which traps moisture and accelerates growth. Note the location and extent of the damage as you go.

Stabilize the Environment

Mold and pests thrive in warmth, humidity, and stagnant air. Lower the temperature and relative humidity in the storage area, improve air circulation, and address any water intrusion or leaks. Stabilizing conditions often halts active mold growth, putting spores into a dormant state that is far safer to handle.

Document, Assess, and Remediate

Photograph and inventory the damage for your records and any required reporting. Determine which items are essential or permanent and prioritize them. Dormant mold can sometimes be gently surface-cleaned by trained staff, while heavily damaged or valuable items should go to a professional conservator. For pests, identify the species, set monitoring traps, and remove food and nesting sources. Consider whether reformatting or digitizing fragile originals would preserve the informational content while you treat or retire the physical item.

Prevent the Next Outbreak

Adopt integrated pest management: routine inspection, environmental monitoring, good housekeeping, and quarantine of incoming materials. Maintain stable climate controls and inspect storage areas on a regular schedule. Build mold and pest response into your written disaster preparedness plan so the next discovery triggers a practiced routine rather than improvisation.

For broader guidance on protecting physical and digital holdings, see our archives and preservation hub.