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.
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.
