Care Guide for Entomology Displays
CARING FOR YOUR INSECT FRAMES
General cleaning
All our entomology frames are lovingly crafted in our West Australian studio. They are framed using a special museum grade glass that helps prevent damage from the suns harmful rays. If you get any marks or fingerprints on the glass, use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to buff them off. Avoid using cleaning chemicals and glass sprays as they will leave marks on the glass.
Dust your frames off when needed with a duster or clean, dry microfibre cloth and always display them out of direct sun.
Pest attack
All specimens are quarantined by us before use in displays, and are then professionally framed and mounted by us. Frames are sealed at the back to prevent pest attack - however, you still need to check over your insect collection often to look for signs of attack.
One issue you may face with your entomology collection is pest attack from book lice. Book lice are very small creatures, but they can do a lot of damage to your beautiful insect displays.
If you notice what looks like dust falling from your insects and gathering in the bottom of the frame, its likely that book lice have found they way in and are damaging your specimens.
The first step is to isolate the affected frame, place it in a ziplock bag and carefully place it into the freezer for 2 weeks. This 2 week period will kill of any pests within the frame as well as kill any unhatched eggs.
After the 2 weeks, remove the frame from the freezer and allow it to come back to room temperature naturally.
Watch your other frames closely and be sure to treat any others if needed.
CARING FOR YOUR INSECT DOMES
General cleaning
All our entomology domes are lovingly crafted in our West Australian studio.
Your dome display is best kept away from direct sun to avoid fading.
Your dome will often be taped at purchase, to secure the glass top to the base. Carefully remove any tape securing the base when you display your dome - but remember from this point on the top can be removed, so always handle your dome with care and carry it from the base.
We don't permanently glue the dome tops to the base, as over time you may find the inside of the dome glass will need to be cleaned. Your dome can be dusted and any marks can be buffed off the glass with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. If a deeper clean is needed for the glass, carefully remove the glass top and wash with warm soapy water. Rinse off all soap suds and allow it to fully dry before placing back over the dome.
Pest attack
All specimens are quarantined by us before use in displays, and are then professionally mounted by us.
One issue you may face with your entomology collection is pest attack from book lice. Book lice are very small creatures, but they can do a lot of damage to your beautiful insect displays.
The first step is to isolate the affected dome and carefully place it into the freezer for 2 weeks. This 2 week period will kill of any pests within the frame as well as kill any unhatched eggs.
After the 2 weeks, remove the dome from the freezer and allow it to come back to room temperature naturally.
Watch your other insect displays closely and be sure to treat any others if needed.
Other helpful tips
- Avoid storing your entomology pieces away in dark boxes for long periods of time. If they are being stored away, check them regularly to look for any damage from pest attacks.
- Always ensure that you use hooks strong enough to support the weight of the frame being displayed. A drop from height can damage the frame as well as the insects within it.