We are conservators at an investigation institute, in Lisbon, which has many different collections related to tropical countries. Our biological collection comprehends a unique insect’s compilation, several skeletons and stuffed animals. Currently and for almost one century, this collection has been frequently sprayed (twice a month) with commercial insecticides and naphthalene balls have been placed in the specimens’ enclosures as a preventive measure. The collection director can not put at risk these unique specimens, so he continues to apply these toxic products.
Due to the obvious reasons we are searching for a non toxic option, which would prevent the vulnerability of this collection to pests, at all levels. We are aware of the disinfestation methods with anoxia, CO2, freezing and heat treatments, but they are not preventive. The freezing permanent storage could be an option but we are not sure if would not damage some of these fragile specimens. Does any one have an advice for preventive solutions, besides IPM, since, with this program we can not assure 100% protection, and we can not afford losing any specimens? Many thanks, -- Sílvia Sequeira, Laura Moura Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical Web site: www.iict.pt
