Today two clients broght in a pheasent and duck each done two years ago or so not at the same time. Each sid the feathers started falling out and one came with the small worm like bugs on it.
What is it and what should be done for it?
Thank you Jerry
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Jerry , the first thing you need to do is freeze them for a week to kill off any larva . After you remove them , any eggs might hatch and you will need to refreeze again in a month but as far as I know . If they have this many bugs on it , then someone left too much meat inside and they will continue to eat it . These are the same bugs that will eat any food products in your house that are cereal , rice , spagetti etc . Rick
Where do they come from? can they get into anyones mounts? Does this come directly from a Taxidermist shop?
Thank You
Take samples to your local exterminator. He/she will identify the 'worm' and tell you what to do. Mark/ HAPP
If the larva are the little hairy looking worms, they are carpet beetles. If more worm like and not maggots, they are likely moths.
I am a fly tyer so I have lots of feathers and skins so insect prevention is important to me. I would NOT rely on freezing since many bugs can survive the temps most home freezers can go down to. I rely on chemicals. I quarantine new materials before introducing them to my other materials. I use insect spray that will kill the bugs and moth crystals and keep things sealed in either plastic boxes or a garbage bag for a month or more. I also bug bomb my tying room every two or three months. I would suggest your client do the same. You might even want to.
Carpet beetles are voracious feeders that can actually eat through plastic bags. They are everywhere too so just because they aren't there today, they might be next month.
Happy Trails!
Ronn