The biggest threat to a collection is dermestid beetles (carpet and museum beetles). Their larvae eat dried insects and can turn a specimen to dust. Signs of trouble are fine powder under a specimen and tiny fuzzy larval skins.

To protect your work:

• Store specimens in a box or drawer with a tight lid.
• Check your collection every month or two.
• If you find pests, freeze the affected box in a sealed bag for a week.
• Keep collections dry to prevent mold, and out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

How do you store your collection?