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Post by hlep89 on Mar 11, 2021 13:01:41 GMT
This thing just appeared in my few weeks ago mounted insect frame. How can i prevent this from happening? Is my insect at risk?
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Post by Adam Cotton on Mar 11, 2021 14:05:45 GMT
It is a Dermestid larva, and will eat your specimens in the frame. You should put the frame in a large plastic bag and seal it then put it in the freezer for a week. Take it out but do not unseal the bag and then 8 days later put it back in the freezer for another week.
The reason a double treatment is necessary is that eggs do not die when frozen, and after they return to room temperature they will hatch within a week, then putting it back in the freezer kills the small larvae
After the last week is up remove it from the freezer and leave it in the room for 24 hours before opening the bag. This will stop condensation forming on the frame if it is removed from the bag before it has returned to room temperature.
Adam.
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 11, 2021 20:03:15 GMT
More than likely it already HAS done some eating of your specimens. You don’t want it to have babies so do as Adam suggested. Also, some chemicals can be used.
Chuck
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Post by neominois on Apr 2, 2021 20:35:54 GMT
If you can, buy no pest strips for your specimens. Take the chemical, which looks like a thin piece of cheese, out of it's white plastic holder and cut them into pieces to add to your displays. The great thing about no pest strips is they have no smell and are not like moth balls which only deter dermestids, it KILLS them!
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 2, 2021 20:50:51 GMT
Wear rubber gloves when handling the resin strip and never touch it with bare hands, otherwise it is safe. Cut a 1cm square piece and put that into the specimen box. It will kill pests and protect the contents for a long time. I recommend using garden cutters or other sharp but strong scissors to cut the strip, as it is quite hard to cut.
Adam.
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