Just my 2 cents worth. I used to do the micro wave thing and freezing but have come upon what in my testing has proved to be the best. I do not like the odor of moth balls that does repel bugs and need something that will also kill the lil buggers. Available at Ace or Lowes one can purchase at about half the cost of flee collars (they do work) one can buy "No Pest Strips". Several different brands are readily available. >From what I find in using anything that develops heat (micro wave and pressure cooking) is that the quality of the stem is reduced. We need to leave the natural oils and composition in them for the hackle to be what we as fly tiers desire. On suspect materials (road kills etc) by all means wash the stuff in warm water and dawn, rinse with vinegar in the rinse water. Air dry, not forced heat. I have been using the No Pest strips for a couple years now and they really do work. They put off very little odor. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me off list by either phone of e-mail. Denny
CONRANCH HACKLE Dennis Conrad 509-999-7472 private cell [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.tripod.com/CONRANCH/
