I was wondering does anybody on the forum know the best method to protect fly tying materials from possible attack from moths, insects etc.
I have been reading about napthalene crystals, mothballs etc and to be honest am now getting a bit paranoid in case my materials come under attack, as, like everyone else I am sure, I am constantly adding to my fly tying materials I am worried about contamination, even though I do "quarantine" new materials!
If anybody can advise me on a good, foolproof method I would be very grateful, as, I am sure, would many other amateur fly tyers.
Thanks in advance
Keith

The crystals do the job but man they kick up a stink! It's not bad just not exactly roses. YUou probably know the smell well as any commercially available furs etc I have aquired smell of the stuff.

I keep all my furs etc in a box and then have a small tub with small holes drilled (a bit like a pepper shaker really) filled with crystals that then sits in the box. Releases the protective gas without having to pick crystals out of my furs etc. I store my extra crystals in an air tight container. When I first opened the bag of crystals I nearly passed out with the smell. It also gave me a bit of a headache but no problems since I got it sorted out. Crystals are dirt cheap and you could also look a buying mothballs etc. Ceder wood is another option but need replaced more often and are more expensive.

As with all pesticide/repellant type products it should be handled with care and kept away from anyone/thing naive/stupid enough to eat it.

Thanks for the advice Bob. Could you tell me where to obtain a supply of crystals and the rough price.
Keith

It is also worth considering splitting you materials up into resealable freezer bags too, so if you do have a problem with one it doesn't get through all of your materials.

I got mine from glasgow angling for £2.50 plus postage but had ordered a few other things so it wasn't a big cost. Your other option is to get naphthalene mothballs from somewhere like ebay where you can get them for about £2 posted for approx 28 balls. This is basically formed balls of the crystal that you can use as they are, or crush and treat like crystals. Bear in mind that they basically evaporate in air so keep them air tight when not in use.

Depending on the amount of material you have then storage is up to you. If it is pretty small then you can get large air tight food boxes that are perfect. I use these to "quarantine" found feathers and animal fur dubbing (brushing the cat gives a nice fine grey/ginger dubbing mix and cuts to my arms ) etc for a while before they go near my other stuff.

I use a large leather effect shoe box type thing I got in B&M for about £3.

It's not airtight so not as effecient for the naphthalene but I find I get a good enough build up of gas to ensure a nice strong odour when I go in to get out my materials. I do store the materials in zip lock bags as well but don't seal them fully to ensure that they are exposed to the gas. You can sprinkle a few crystals into each bag and seal them to get 100% guarenteed exposure for all your materials but I find that exposure using the above technique is sufficent.

Every few months, put your feathers into a carrier bag or something similar and stick it into the freezer for a day or so.
No damage and no pests - simples!

This subject has been covered numerous times in the "Fly Tying" section, why not go there & use the search facility at the top of the page ?

You want Napthalene Crystals - I gottem for sale - like for the last 30 years !

Best way of murdering bugs - make a kill box (airtight ) - insert materials - spray with Nuvan Staykil -put lid on - leave for 48 hours .

After that use the napthalene - keep all important items in individual heavy Ziplock Plastic bags ! ( The damned things will go thru light poly bags to get at what's inside - believe me ! )

Boiling works nicely - freezing doesn't - says the voice of bitter experience .

Be lucky

Steve P

I use those Dragon brand moth balls. Don't even bother with a container, just put them in tins, boxes, draws or anything that contains materials. I think they are OK for displelling the adult but if the larva is already in existence I don't think they would be any good. You use to be able to buy Dragon Brand from Wilkinson's, but recently I have been getting them off the internet. Good luck with whatever you deciede to use.

I have used a variation of these for 30 years + moth balls and capes in bags in cedar cigar boxes