Bugs in Taxidermy Mounts

Sabre

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I wanted to start a thread for people to share their experiences if they have ever had bugs in their taxidermy mounts. Specifically beetles and moths, but open to hearing about others I may not have thought about. What was the extent of the damage? How far did they spread? What did you do to get rid of them? Were you able to permanently rid them from your experience?

Bugs in taxidermy mounts seem to be an increasing problem. I have heard that Arsenic used to be used in the tanning process and that kept bugs out of mounts, but it was banned in the 80s? Allegedly that's why more mounts suffer today.

I have read research that claims that 90% or greater houses have Carpet Beetles which are a species of Dermestid Beetles (the same ones that clean skulls and other bones for taxidermists and museums). Some exterminators put this number higher and believe that all houses have them, because when they do thorough inspections they claim they always find some husks from the larvae somewhere in the house.

Carpet beetles are attracted to light and are prolific outdoors, so it is easy for them to come indoors, especially in the evenings, attracted to the light.

Also, clothing moths are a common taxidermy pest. They are more likely to be brought in on old clothes or furniture already affected, but can also come from outdoors.

According to a woman who works at a museum and studies clothing moths, she also claims that they are present in essentially all homes. Although, I have found less evidence/sources claiming this. But they are small gold/tan colored moths. And they certainly are very common.

One thing I find interesting is how all taxidermy isn't constantly attacked. I have seen people who have mounts in very drafty locations with tons of outdoor exposure who haven't cleaned their mounts in decades and never have an issue. And I have heard stories of guys that keep all mounts inside the main house and clean them regularly and end up with bugs.

Some say it is an ineffective tanning job that causes them. But the vast majority of taxidermists and bug experts claim that is not the case.
 
Everything in your post I believe fully. There has been a sheep at my buddies shop for 20+ years that has never been Mount Medixed? Never had a single bug ever. Some mounted specimens attract bugs more than others. No rhyme or reason in my eyes. Old African mounts when tanning was with arsenic never get bugs, but that seams tanning could also harm us humans.

There is a thread on this from some time ago. My post on that one is the same as this one. Even more true now, my room has 75 or more mounts and I am religious about any insects.

The only PERMANENT answer that I can assure works is Mount Medix products. Mount saver and Mount Protector are amazing products. Its not real cheap but works 100% to destroy bugs and keeps them away. Spray my extendable 12' duster and wipe every mount twice a year. Spring and fall ritual.

No Bugs EVER.

MarkB
 

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