Stuffed kestrel

Catt Baum <cattbaum [at] gmail__com> writes

>I have a stuffed Kestrel that is starting to be eaten by moths.  Can
>someone please tell me what I can use to kill the current
>infestation and prevent further ones. ...

You will probably get many responses to this telling you to freeze
or use the double-freeze technique, which is the simplest way.  One
week (bagged) in the freezer then 48 hours at room temperature
(allows egg stages to hatch into more vulnerable larvae), then
repeat the freeze again.

Alternative methods are using oxygen scavengers in barrier film bags
(let me know if you need more information).

Moth larvae are voracious and will eat almost everything so I would
advise a spell in the freezer ASAP but don't forget to bag it first
or glass eyes can become temperature stressed and may split if
they're old and, if present, wooden armatures don't enjoy being
frozen either. Insecticide sprays (pyrethrum or permethrin-based)
are still available but some can clog up feathers if used too
generously.

Simon Moore MIScT, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences
20 Newbury Street,
Whitchurch RG28 7DN


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 24:8
                   Distributed: Sunday, July 11, 2010
                        Message Id: cdl-24-8-005
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