Hi Jeanette, Insect debris and leavings can be dealt with using the usual disc cleaners that are safe for lacquer. First, you need to inspect each disc carefully, looking for any cracks or other flaws that could possibly allow the cleaning solution to loosen the lacquer coating. Use a microscope if you have one available. Insect debris and leavings can be stubborn and may require more than one cleaning cycle using your preferred solution. If the disc surface is water tight, I will let the solution stand for a few minutes before removing it because insect leavings will usually contain enzymes that need to be dissolved. I have a �junker� turntable purchased at a thrift store as my cleaning platform. Basically, I use it like a Lazy-Susan that is 12�in diameter. The cleaning cycle I usually use, for those discs that will tolerate a wet approach, is to start by blowing off any dust and loose matter with canned air in a well ventilated area (outside works well for this!). If useful, I will carefully brush the disc in the direction of the grooves to loosen anything before applying a wet solution and use the canned air a second time. I then apply the cleaning solution from the dead wax area (carefully avoiding the label) out to the edge of the disc using a small spray bottle. I brush the solution in the direction of the grooves using a trimmed, fine bristle, artists brush working from the center out while rotating the disc (outside-in works as well). I remove the excess fluid using a clean lint free cloth and vacuum the surface using a modified wet-dry vacuum. I apply a rinse of distilled water and use the same procedure. Inspect the surface in between each process to assess the results and repeat as necessary. I live reasonably nearby (North of Santa Clarita) if you feel the need for a second opinion. Cheers! Corey Corey Bailey Audio Engineering www.baileyzone.net Quoting Jeanette Berard <[log in to unmask]>: > I have come across an issue I have not previously seen - black > lacquer discs with damage related to termites. The discs have > debris from consumption of the paper sleeves adhered to ( or perhaps > embedded in?) the lacquer. > > Has anyone out there ever encountered this issue? Is it possible to > clean these? I have not yet made any tests, right now I'm just > gathering information. > > This is a small collection recently received, and no, there aren't > any live termites. > > Thanks, > Jeanette > > > > Jeanette Berard, MLS, CA > Special Collections Librarian > Thousand Oaks Library System > (805) 449-2660 xt7328 > [log in to unmask] > >