Display Care
The easiest and best way of preserving your mount from dust, insects, or accidental damage would be to put a glass display case over it. However, due to cost, pose, and size restraints, you may not be able to do this.
Trophy Display
Always keep your mount inside at room temperatures. There is a good possibility of mold growing on your trophy from humidity or dampness, so avoid storage in basements or garages. Additionally, avoid big windows where sunlight can shine through and bleach the hair over the years. Do not place your mount over a wood burning stove or fireplace as moderate heat can cause damage.
Dust Prevention and Cleaning
My showroom and all customer mammals and game heads get a spray of Taxidermy Magic to prevent dust damage. Spray the animal, wait a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towel. Taxidermy Magic repels dust up to a year or longer depending on the environment. If you notice dust on your trophy, use an ostrich feather duster to clean it of dust. Compressed air also works, but I don't recommend a vacuum unless there is an adapter with a soft brush. After dusting, spray Taxidermy Magic and wipe it down after a minute or two.
Use an ostrich or turkey feather duster on bird and fish mounts.
Insect Prevention and Control
Insect infestation is a big deal, folks. It can happen to anyone's trophy and to any highly acclaimed taxidermist that did the mounting or tanning. It can happen on professionally tanned hides or ones that were dry preserved and mounted. Symptoms include hair loss, small larvae on the mount, and little rice crispie-sized skins that the larvae shed. The two insects responsible for this are demisted/carpet beetles or moths. These insects can ruin a whole collection of animal mounts. These are the same bugs that you find in any grain product such as dog or cat food. They are in carpets and eat wool clothes. Only the larvae eat the mounts, not moths or beetles.
To rid these insects, you will need to let off bug bombs in the house or put a garbage bag over the animal and spray raid into it. Tie it up and let stand. You may have to do this multiple times to kill new larvae being hatched. If you are unsure of what to do or prefer professional service, call an exterminator. Chances are thatthe insects were alreading living in the house and had found their way into the tropy and that was one of the first places you discovered them. I have an exterminator check my house and showroom twice a year.
