The likelihood of insect attack is affected by too many factors, such as maintenance and cleanliness, to create an effective model. Some insects require mold to be present at the start of an infestation. Most museum insects are less active in dry environments. Conversely, they flourish in warm, moist environments. Tom Strang of CCI has used research on specific insects' kill temperatures to develop non-chemical eradication techniques.
All biological decay is deterred by lower relative humidities.
Mechanical Deterioration Fluctuating relative humidity and temperature stress materials. A change in temperature can expand or contract metal, stone and other inorganic materials. All objects come to temperature equilibrium quickly, rarely taking more than 24 hours. In a mixed collection, temperature change does not damage as many museum objects as significantly as relative humidity fluctuation. Seasonal slow drifts, allowing slow equilibrium, are less harmful than abrupt changes.