Taxidermy Moth Infestation: Tips for Protecting Your Mounts

Prism Specialties

December 16th, 2019

With the start of white-tailed deer hunting season behind us, taxidermists are gearing up for their busy season. If you’re new to hunting or taxidermy, you may not know that moths and their larvae can destroy your prized taxidermy mounts, focusing their destruction on the hide. As moths and larvae consume pieces of the hide, […]

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With the start of white-tailed deer hunting season behind us, taxidermists are gearing up for their busy season. If you’re new to hunting or taxidermy, you may not know that moths and their larvae can destroy your prized taxidermy mounts, focusing their destruction on the hide.

As moths and larvae consume pieces of the hide, you may notice patches of fur coming loose or falling to the floor. Sometimes, you will see channels burrowed through the fur where larvae have crawled along the hide’s surface. All of these are signs of a pest problem that requires immediate attention.

Never leave a taxidermy moth infestation unchecked. Over time, the moths will lay eggs in the furniture and carpet in the room. What was once a manageable problem can quickly become an overwhelming infestation.

Keep reading to learn more about resolving and preventing taxidermy moth infestations.

How to Eliminate a Taxidermy Moth Infestation

Are you curious about how to get rid of pests in your mounts? What kills moths and their larvae? Here are a few ways to get rid of a taxidermy moth infestation:

If you have room in your freezer, put the affected mount in there for two weeks. A long, deep freeze will kill bugs, larvae, and eggs.
Place all your affected mounts in a seldom-used room like a den or spare bedroom. Seal the room by locking windows, closing air vents, and putting towels underneath the door. Then, set off a bug bomb. Leave the room sealed and undisturbed for at least two days.
Place the mount inside a plastic garbage bag with a No-Pest Strip or a similar product, and duct tape the bag shut. Leave it alone for a month to allow the strip to work.

How to Clean Taxidermy Animals and Prevent Future Pest Problems

Now that you have resolved your moth infestation, you need to know how to prevent future pest problems in your trophies. A little preventative care will go a long way in preserving your mounts for many years to come:

Lightly spray the mount with a non-staining insect killer such as Bedlam and leave it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours. Then gently wipe the mount with a damp microfiber cloth, going with the fur or feather grain. Doing this every few months is a good way to prevent moth infestations.
Storing new mounts in sealed glass cases will also prevent moth infestations.