The use of inert atmospheres (low oxygen) as an alternative to conventional fumigation techniques was investigated. Mixed cultures of several common museum pests including <i>Tineola bisselliella, Lasioderma serricorne, Stegobium paniceum, Anthrenus vorax</i> and <i>Lyctus brunneus</i> were purged with nitrogen gas for one, two, and three weeks under controlled environmental conditions. One hundred percent mortality was observed in all cases though further quantitative tests are required to establish statistically valid mortality rates.