Art shipping is delicate work. Whether it's a contemporary sculpture heading to a collector in Chicago or a 19th-century oil painting en route to a museum overseas, every piece deserves protection—not just from bumps and bruises, but from far less visible threats: pests.

Yes, pests. The kind that chew, bore, nest, or leak. They may not be top of mind when you're wrapping a canvas in archival paper, but ignoring them can lead to irreversible damage. From wood-loving beetles in crates to moths that feast on textiles, these uninvited guests can wreak havoc before the artwork even reaches its final wall.

That’s why pest control shouldn’t just be for basements and break rooms—it should be part of every smart shipping protocol. And in places where the climate supports year-round infestations, like Arizona, having a reliable resource for Spark Pest Control becomes an important part of the fine art logistics chain.

Let’s unpack (pun intended) how to protect your art from pests at every stage of the journey.

The Hidden Hazards in Packing Materials

Most damage doesn’t happen on the truck—it happens before the truck even leaves.

Wooden crates are essential for protecting large or fragile pieces. But untreated or poorly stored wood can harbor termites, powderpost beetles, and even carpenter ants. These pests are sneaky: a crate can look pristine on the outside while bugs are boring tiny holes deep inside.

Even soft packing materials can pose problems. Organic fillers like shredded paper or cotton padding are susceptible to silverfish, cockroaches, or moth larvae, especially if stored in damp or dusty areas. Once infested, they can contaminate every layer of packaging around the artwork itself.

How to prevent it:

• Use kiln-dried or chemically treated wood for crates.
• Store all packing materials in dry, clean, pest-monitored environments.
• Avoid recycled materials from unknown sources unless inspected.

The Storage Trap: Art’s Layover Problem

It’s rare for a shipment to go straight from one door to another without a pause. Sometimes, pieces rest overnight in a truck or wait a few days in a holding facility. These layovers are critical windows for infestation.

Warehouses, even those that claim to be climate-controlled, can have blind spots—especially in corners, under pallets, or near loading docks. Rodents may sneak in and chew through boxes, while insects crawl between crates and settle into seams.

Even short-term storage can be risky if pest management isn’t part of the facility’s maintenance plan.

What to ask storage providers:

• Do they have a licensed pest control provider on retainer?
• Are there traps and sensors in place—and monitored?
• Is food strictly prohibited in storage zones?

If the answer to any of these is vague, it’s worth finding another holding point.

Climate Doesn’t Kill All Bugs

A common myth in art shipping is that climate control solves everything. While temperature and humidity regulation are vital for art preservation, they don’t eliminate pest risks.

In fact, some pests thrive in steady temperatures. Silverfish, for example, love a dark, humid environment. And rodents don’t mind cool air if there’s a cozy packing blanket to burrow into.

Climate-controlled spaces should be part of a larger protection strategy—not the whole strategy.

Tip: Schedule pest inspections even for climate-controlled areas. Good climate doesn't always equal good hygiene.

Customs and Border Delays: A Risk Window

International shipments often face delays at customs. While the paperwork gets sorted, your crate might sit for days in a holding zone, sometimes exposed to high humidity or poor ventilation.

If pests infiltrate during this period, the damage might not be noticed until unpacking. And at that point, there’s not much recourse.

To reduce this risk:

• Add pest-proof netting around crates or vents.
• Work with customs brokers who understand the value of fine art and can expedite clearance.
• If shipping abroad regularly, partner with logistics firms that offer bonded storage with pest protocols.

The Final Stop: Residential Risk

Once artwork reaches its final destination, there’s one last hurdle: the client’s home or building.

Many collectors are unaware that pests like carpet beetles or pantry moths can pose a threat to their investment. Textiles, mixed media works, or anything organic (like wood or canvas) can become a feast for hungry insects, especially in older homes with limited pest prevention.

If you're a gallery or dealer: Consider offering a short checklist to your buyers on how to care for the piece once delivered, including notes on avoiding pests. It’s a thoughtful add-on that helps preserve the artwork and your reputation.

Building a Pest-Smart Art Shipping Routine

You don’t need to turn your shipping department into an extermination team. But having some basic pest awareness built into your process can go a long way.

Here’s a simple framework.

1. Inspect

Before anything gets packed, inspect crates and padding for holes, webbing, droppings, or even odors. Don’t assume a material is pest-free just because it’s new.

2. Document

Take photos of the packaging and the artwork before shipping. If any pest-related damage occurs during transit, you’ll have proof that it didn’t originate from your end.

3. Partner Smart

Choose pest control providers who understand commercial environments and who can adapt to the unique needs of art handlers. Spark Pest Control, for example, works with local Phoenix-based businesses to develop customized plans that prevent damage without exposing sensitive materials to harsh chemicals.

4. Educate Staff

Your team doesn’t need to be entomologists, but they should be able to spot the difference between a scuff and insect damage. Offer occasional training or tip sheets on signs of infestation.

5. Review Annually

Pests evolve. So do shipping methods. Take time at least once a year to review your packing process and update it with smarter materials, better vendor support, or new prevention tactics.

Wrapping It Up—Without Wrapping in Bugs

Shipping fine art isn’t just about white gloves and corner protectors. It’s about foresight. And foresight means thinking not only about impact damage or temperature shifts, but also about the small creatures that can hitch a ride in your crate, chew through a masterpiece, or cause costly disputes with clients.

Pest control may not be glamorous, but it’s an unsung hero in the fine art shipping chain. Whether you're working with a local carrier, a global freight forwarder, or your own in-house team, make sure someone’s thinking about bugs—before the bugs start thinking about your art.

Because sometimes, protecting a masterpiece starts long before the crate is sealed.