[Nhcoll-l] Freezer Fumigation: is wrapping necessary?

[Matthew Becker]

Hello all,

I recently discovered a dead dermestid beetle near some extinct bird taxidermy we had on display and we are looking to fumigate these specimens to be safe. We have a large walk-in fumigation freezer that we have used in the past with success, but I'm feeling a little more nervous than usual given the importance of the specimens.

In the past, I had been trained to wrap specimens in airtight bags before putting them in the freezer. Does anyone know the reasoning behind this? I was told it was help to prevent condensation but I'm almost more afraid of trapping moisture inside the bag. I'm wondering if I can get away with putting them in an airtight storage container or even leave them exposed to avoid handling them more than I have to.

Please let me know if you have any advice with fumigating delicate bird taxidermy. I currently have them in a fume hood with a pest strip in the meantime.

Many thanks,

Matthew Becker
Collections Curator
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Roger Williams Park
1000 Elmwood Ave
Providence, RI 02907
401.680.7248
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