777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Jan 25, 2019 3:35:56 GMT
I have been collecting for a little while now, but I am still a big newbie when it comes to equipment (and a few other aspects). I have not obtained an insect cabinet yet, so I am asking if there are any ways to protect my collection from all pests without the use of health affecting chemicals in my future insect cabinet. My insects have not had any problems with pests, but I still want to plan ahead of time so that I can stop worrying. Thanks for any advice.
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Post by Paul K on Jan 25, 2019 5:57:45 GMT
The answer is no.
You could use no chemicals but must monitor collection on at least weekly bases and in case of any signs of infestation all collection has to be treated with killing agent or freeze.
Once you actually spot a problem the damage is already done to some degree.
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Post by wollastoni on Jan 25, 2019 9:10:19 GMT
As Paul said, it is urgent for you to protect your collection (if you don't want to lose it).
These simple rules have to be followed thoroughly :
- use hermetic, good quality drawers,
- freeze during few days all new insects before inserting them to your drawers
- put some chemical products inside the drawers : I personnaly use the Zensect Moth proofer orange balls.
And of course check all your drawers from time to time.
In case of infestation (you will see a black powder below some specimens), freeze the whole drawer for several days. And refreeze it 2 weeks later, in case some eggs have resisted.
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777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Jan 25, 2019 14:54:59 GMT
As Paul said, it is urgent for you to protect your collection (if you don't want to lose it). These simple rules have to be followed thoroughly : - use hermetic, good quality drawers, - freeze during few days all new insects before inserting them to your drawers - put some chemical products inside the drawers : I personnaly use the Zensect Moth proofer orange balls. And of course check all your drawers from time to time. In case of infestation (you will see a black powder below some specimens), freeze the whole drawer for several days. And refreeze it 2 weeks later, in case some eggs have resisted. What brands do you recommend for any good quality hermetic drawers and cabinets? |
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Post by wollastoni on Jan 25, 2019 15:13:19 GMT
In the US, you can try Bioquip or Jean Paquet.
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Post by Paul K on Jan 25, 2019 15:27:34 GMT
In reality there are no hermetic drawers.
I use one of the best drawers and I could still found rice weevil inside.
Dead although as I keep dichlorvos pieces ( no pest stripe ) in each drawer.
I don’t have any outbrake of those weevils since I store all rice and rice product in the fridge.
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Post by Paul K on Jan 25, 2019 15:39:14 GMT
In reality there are no hermetic drawers. I use one of the best drawers and I could still found rice weevil inside. Dead although as I keep dichlorvos pieces ( no pest stripe ) in each drawer. I don’t have any outbrake of those weevils since I store all rice and rice product in the fridge. If you want to have hermetic drawer you must seal them shut, seal the glass and the bottom, apply clear coat two, three coats to seal the wood. Problem? You won’t be able to open it anymore. |
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Post by louisianacurmudgeon on Apr 22, 2019 15:37:22 GMT
Insect pest are not the very first issue one needs to be concerned with. Certainly insect cabinets are important as a additional barrier against pest organisms. The very first issue why you need drawers to be stored in cabinets is to protect as near to 100% as possible against ultraviolet light degradation, then second needed protection from humidity and moisture incursion, also the elimination and growth of molds and fungus. Spores of molds and fungus cover all of your specimens, but begin growing under ideal conditions required by those organisms. Drawers and cabinets aid in protection against all of these. Nearly all household lamps and bulbs give off UV radiation. Most everyone is unaware that specimens in glass topped drawers or riker mounts are usually destroyed and worthless after just 2-3 years of non-cabinet protection. Darkness is the best friend of those who have true scientific insect collections.
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Post by larrycurlymoe on Apr 22, 2019 23:45:47 GMT
Another important consideration: Keep the drawers off the floor. Otherwise, dermestids will crawl right in.
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