We’ve used real animal skins in recent exhibits and have had no problems. But you have to stay on top of the situation and monitor your specimens constantly for the slightest sign of infestation. If you find anything, you have to take immediate and comprehensive action. In the past we’ve moved infested specimens into a freezer and frozen them at 30 degree below zero for 72 hours. This usually takes care of the problem but you may have to repeat the process. We’ve also used a product called Mount Shield (Reduce Products, Inc.) if the specimens are not going to be in vitrines. This is a non-pesticidal spray that deters infestation. But it is also an astringent and can dry the natural oils found in skins. As for any claims that modern methods eliminate the concern of infestation is doubtful. It is true that modern methods are different and better than years ago, but I still doubt that you can entirely eliminate the problem. Our recently purchased animal skins come from Moscow Hide and Fur in Moscow, Idaho. They are of good quality and have given us no problems. You might want to contact them at www.hideadnfur.com.
Jeff Tenuth
Natural History Collection Manager
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rebecca Justinger
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Fake deer skin
Good Morning Museum-L,
Our museum is updating our Native American gallery. Our exhibit designer wants to include some fake deer skins inside an interactive longhouse, but he is having trouble finding anyone who makes and/or sells accurate looking replicas. Does anyone use fake animal hides in their exhibits and, if so, do you know where you purchased your props? He was also looking into using real animal hide, but we in the collections department were trying to dissuade him of that. Several years ago, I believe in the early 90's and well before my time, they included real animal skin in this exhibit and there was a massive infestation. He claims that he discovered, during his research, that the way they prepare real animal skins now is different from 20+ years ago and it absolutely won't attract bugs, but I'm slightly skeptical. Has anyone used real animal hides in their exhibits more recently? Were their any issues with infestations? Thank you so much for any insight anyone might be able to provide. I really appreciate the help!
Rebecca
Rebecca Justinger
Registrar
To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1