Well, I'd go with the freezer. It's pretty well proven effective (against
most forms of most bugs). I actually question whether or not microwaves
would kill all forms of the insects (microwaves heat very selectively - fats
and water primarily). In addition, uncleaned feathers can have substantial
amounts of oils, which will heat and may ruin the feathers.
As far as moth balls, it's pretty well accepted, I believe, that they are
not an effective insecticide (perhaps a repellant at best). Napthalene also
belongs to a class of chemicals that are notoriously toxic and include some
of our more potent carcinogens. Don't know what the party line is on
napthalene per se, but as much as I like the refreshing smell, I'm steering
clear.
-Wes
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andrew Stouppe [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2001 3:34 PM
> To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> Subject: RE: Turkey feathers?
>
>
> I remember the thread about the feathers. One suggested putting the
> feathers in the freezer and another the microwave.
>
> Bugs can hibernate but probably not resist radiation. Try the microwave.
> Afterwards put them in ziplock bags with mothballs. That should be the
> trick.
>
> I use Duco Cement, green tube from Kmart, to coat my wingcases.
> As good as
> anything I suppose.
>
> Andy S.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kent Lufkin [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 10:42 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Turkey feathers?
>
> My wife's aunt has a small hobby farm in Idaho and raises turkeys
> among a whole ark-load of other critters. Knowing I'm interested in
> fly tying, she's just brought me a shopping bag full of turkey
> feathers (probably a lifetime supply!)
>
> Two questions:
>
> 1. I seem to recall a thread a while back about processing raw tying
> hair to kill bugs or other critters that might spread to other
> supplies. Can anybody suggest appropriate steps I should take to
> 'sterilize' these feathers before using them?
>
> 2. I also seem to remember that turkey feathers can be treated with a
> sort of flexible cement to keep the strands from separating when
> they're tied into wingcases, etc. Can anyone suggest a type or brand
> and technique?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kent Lufkin
>
>
