Safe from Moths?

[in the surface]

I found a few dry flies in the corner of the room where I tie. They were tied about three weeks ago but they have been out in the open in the room ever since, so moths could have got at them. My question is, how do I know if they have or not?

If I see no sign with the naked eye is it safe to put them in my fly box? The possibly-moth-attracting materials used are CDC, peacock herl, superfine dubbing and cock hackles.

Hopefully somebody can set me right on this.

[arkle]

This subject has been covered in great detail here, please try the search facility at the top of the page.

[in the surface]

Thanks, Arkle. Maybe the admin would delete the thread? I looked but I can't see how to delete it myself.

[syphogenic]

Originally Posted by in the surface

I found a few dry flies in the corner of the room where I tie. They were tied about three weeks ago but they have been out in the open in the room ever since, so moths could have got at them. My question is, how do I know if they have or not?

If I see no sign with the naked eye is it safe to put them in my fly box? The possibly-moth-attracting materials used are CDC, peacock herl, superfine dubbing and cock hackles.

Hopefully somebody can set me right on this.

It's a big risk.....hmmm....moths....start of December...it's a close call...no I'm not making a decision like that without more information....

[3lbgrayling]

Stick them in a bag of mothball/napthaline crystals for a month.

Jim

[tunvilla]

stick them in a poly bag then nuke them in the microwave

[in the surface]

Originally Posted by syphogenic

It's a big risk.....hmmm....moths....start of December...it's a close call...no I'm not making a decision like that without more information....

Fair point but I have seen a red admirals in the house so if he can do it...

Ah I'm sure I'm safe enough.

---------- Post added at 02:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 PM ----------

Originally Posted by tunvilla

stick them in a poly bag then nuke them in the microwave

I don't think the microwave would like the metal hooks.

---------- Post added at 02:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 PM ----------

Thanks for the advice guys. Though I shouldn't post on such a well-covered topic.

[darwin]

Originally Posted by in the surface

Thanks for the advice guys. Though I shouldn't post on such a well-covered topic.

Feel free to ask any question you like, that is what the forum is about

If you feel uneasy about those flies, isolate them from the others, place them in the freezer or seal them with moth balls for a period of time. (mothball/napthaline crystals are potentially dangerous, so google that and handle with care if you do use them)

[in the surface]

Thanks. I think I'll freeze them. The naphthalene is something I'd prefer not to use.

[GuyFromLaw]

I've been tying flies most of my life and have had materials stored in sheds without being in proper bags, and there's been stuff lying loose in the loft, and in other rooms of the house, and I've never had any quality problems with any of my materials, ever.

A few dry flies lying about the house for 3 weeks is nothing.

I keep seeing this stick them in a bag and nuke them in a microwave oven 'advice.'

A bird's egg and fly tying feathers are pretty much made of the same stuff, right?

When you heat an egg it denatures the proteins, it's an irreversible process, that's why your egg takes on the colour and textures when it is cooked.

Why would you risk making your feathers brittle and weak by cooking them?

Freezing is a method of preservation that has stood the test of time. It also effectively kills off any undesirables.

Cooking your feathers does not make any sense.