How to store bug specimens
Moderators: MacroMike, nzmacro, Ken Ramos, twebster, S. Alden
How to store bug specimens
Is there a good way to prepare bugs for storage? I have a collection of dead insect friends that I examine under my microscope. However, when they are stored in a closed container, they smell like dead fish. Is there a way of preparing them for storage to rid them of this odor - I am afraid they may end up attracting bugs I don't want in my house.
Will
I usually just keep mine in small 2" X 2" cardboard boxes I get at a craft store or in the craft section of a department store. You can use very fine stick pins on which to mount them also. As for odors, hmm...you may try to place a small amount of baking soda within a small container and place that in the box/case with them if you have an odor problem. So far I have not encountered that situation with my collections but then again I only have a small number of insects.
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Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
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It sounds like your insects are still a little damp. Before placing in closed storage, be sure they are completely dry. Putting a small package of dry silica gel in with them may help, if your environment is very humid.
But even if the insects are completely dry, there is still a very real danger from bugs that you don't want -- notably dermestid beetles and their larvae that love dry protein and will happily reduce your collection to small piles of left-over scales.
The usual museum solution is to keep dried insects in not quite completely sealed containers along with some "moth balls" -- naphthalene or PDB. Some sources advocate the use of stronger insecticides like Vapona No-Pest Strips. Moth balls work for me.
--Rik
But even if the insects are completely dry, there is still a very real danger from bugs that you don't want -- notably dermestid beetles and their larvae that love dry protein and will happily reduce your collection to small piles of left-over scales.
The usual museum solution is to keep dried insects in not quite completely sealed containers along with some "moth balls" -- naphthalene or PDB. Some sources advocate the use of stronger insecticides like Vapona No-Pest Strips. Moth balls work for me.
--Rik