In reply to Sally Shelton's comments on pest control and freezing, I would like
to point out that there is a great deal of evidence (including epochs of insect
survival through extreme seasons) that freezing is effective only under very
limited circumstances.  It's effectiveness is very dubious on eggs and on large-
volume "self-insulated" objects, perhaps including large animal mounts.
 
I also agree that chemical fumigants have been severely abused and used with ina
dequate knowledge and control, resulting in damage to people and specimens.
 
Freeze-dryed mounts are extremely vulnerable to virtually chronic infestation an
d they are rarely treated with permanent toxins.  To protect these adequately yo
u would have to freeze them permanently, like any fresh meat.
 
The chemical arsenal available to us legally and practically is now very limited
..
Non-chemical approaches to active infestations are still emerging and not well u
nderstood in terms of their effectiveness and long term effects.  Worst of all,
non-chemical treatments are difficult and costly.
 
A complete pest-control program is necessary (IPM or integrated pest management
is the buzz word) to limit occurrances, limit damage, and limit how often you ha
ve to face the same problems and questions with no adequate answers.  With
 all the
 approaches you have to evaluate potential loss or damage against guaranteed los
s and damage of an active infestation which can and will spread to other specime
ns.
 
Geoffrey I. Brown
Curator of Conservation
Kelsey Museum, University of Michigan
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