Following serious damage to zoological collections at the British Museum (Natural History) by a carpet beetle, Anthrenus sarnicus Mroczk., a research project was initiated to study its biology and control in museums. This newly discovered insect has become a widespread domestic pest in the London area and poses a new threat to museums. Sticky-traps have been used successfuliy to monitor pest populations in museum buildings, and data obtained have highlighted the extent of the pest problem. Cultural control methods -- such as removal of birds' nests from roof spaces and ventilation ducts, and fluff and debris from working areas-are important in eliminating potential foci of infestations. Treatment of new and returning specimens entering museums by fumigation, heat or freezing techniques are important in preventing introduced pests becoming established in buildings. Many current chemical control methods are inadequate and lack scientifically based efficacy data. Research is currently in progress to determine the effectiveness of a range of low mammalian toxicity insecticides for use in museums.