Which pests can damage drawings and prints on paper?

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Inside the ongoing preservation of the Vatican — Art conservation and restoration Learn about the restoration of tiles in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Biological pests can cause significant and unsightly damage to the cellulose and sizing of paper, as well as to the paint media used in drawings and prints. According to the principles of art conservation and restoration, the primary pests that threaten these works include:

Silverfish12
Book lice12
Beetle larvae1
Mold and fungus12

These organisms attack the structural components of the paper, leading to destructive results. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to maintain stable environmental conditions, particularly regarding humidity and ventilation, as these factors directly influence the growth of mold and the secondary infestation of insects like silverfish and book lice.12