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

[Dee Stubbs-Lee]

Hi Matthew,

I have frozen small taxidermy specimens of all ages many times with no issues. The bagging actually serves two purposes: it helps to contain any live pests and prevent their spreading, and it helps to protect the specimens during the freezing process. You may find the following two resources helpful as background reading. Do be careful handling any frozen specimens as they are more vulnerable to physical damage while frozen because many materials are more brittle while frozen.

https://museumpests.net/solutions-low-temperature-treatment/

https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/controlling-insects-low-temperature.html

Dee

Dee A. Stubbs-Lee, MA, FIIC, CAPC
Conservator / Restauratrice
New Brunswick Museum
277 Douglas Avenue
Saint John, New Brunswick
E2K 1E5
Canada

(506) 643-2341



From: Nhcoll-l [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Matthew Becker
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 11:10 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Freezer Fumigation: is wrapping necessary?

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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