Instructions

Step 1.
If possible remove mount to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. This is necessary for large-scale (greater than ½ pint) usage of the product. Although Mount Saver is all-natural, some people may be sensitive to the product. Applicators are cautioned to be aware of this and should consult their clients prior to applying Mount Saver in a closed environment such as trophy room or indoors.
Step 2.
If possible, remove loose debris from the mount using vacuum or compressed air. This step may not be possible if insect damage is extensive. Where large-scale damage has occurred, areas of the mount may be without attached hair or feathers. In these cases, clients should be consulted as to the extent of damage and potential restoration options. Additional habitat, patching and creative painting may be options to conceal permanent damage.
Step 3.
Liberally apply Mount Saver solution to the animal making sure to thoroughly wet all hair, feathers, hide/skin areas and all mount surfaces as applicable. This can be accomplished by directly pouring Mount Saver over the mount, but is best accomplished with the use of a sprayer. For some applications a trigger sprayer can be used, but for large applications a compatible pump sprayer will make the job much easier.
Step 4.
Manually work Mount Saver solution into the mount if necessary. Manually working Mount Saver beyond the hair or feathers down to the dermis is important for effective contact with the infestation. Direct contact will kill the insects in less than one minute. The insects are feeding at the interface between the hair and the hide. It may be necessary to spread the hair to ensure Mount Saver makes contact with the infested areas.
Step 5.
Allow solution to drain from mount and wipe to remove any excess. Collecting the excess product is a good idea. It reduces our impact on the environment, keeps the work area safe and neat. If making the Mount Saver solution from concentrate, the recovered product can be filtered through a paint filter and used as diluent for the next batch in place of water.
Step 6.
If not confident that total saturation has been achieved, cover mount with Polyethylene bag or Polyethylene sheet wrap and let stand for 4 hours. The use of plastic wrap or fumigation bags is recommended for medium to large life size mounts and any long haired species. If rehydration is a concern, use the directed times. Studies have shown insects to die within four hours of exposure to vapors. However, if rehydration is not an issue, longer exposure times are beneficial when working with dense hair or fur. During product evaluation, certain mounts were kept wrapped in excess of 24 hours. Varying taxidermy techniques may not allow longer wrapped times; types of glue, hide closure techniques, and manikin types all come into account when evaluating the wrap time.
Step 7.
Remove wrap and allow the mount to dry. This can be accelerated with fans or blow dryers.
Step 8.
Repeat step 2 to remove any remaining debris and expired insects, larvae, or eggs.
Step 9.
Perform all needed repairs and recondition, if desired. This is also a good opportunity to make any additional paint or epoxy repairs, where needed.
Step 10.
Fluff and comb hair or preen feathers. Infested mounts treated with Mount Saver will have a pleasant mint-like odor, and a restored natural luster.

Note: If “IN PLACE” application is required, place absorbent material over a plastic tarp to catch overspray/excess solution. Alternatively, reduce usage quantities to moisten the hair to whatever is tolerable and increase the wrap duration to two or more days; some room ventilation will be required.

Material usage. An average life size black bear will require ½ – ¾ gallon for treatment. A typical shoulder mount whitetail will require about 6-8 ounces (4-6 deer per 1 quart). It may also be necessary to treat habitat areas for infestation. Please check product compatibility with habitat before application.

Why Is Complete Saturation Important When Treating an Infested Mount?

Visible insects are not necessarily located where the majority of damaging activity is occurring. Moths and dermestids can feed near the interface between the hair and hide, making surface-only treatment less effective. When treating an active infestation, the solution needs to reach the areas where insects, larvae, and eggs may be present rather than simply wetting the outside of the hair or feathers.

Our Mount Saver instructions emphasize thoroughly treating applicable hair, feathers, hide, skin, and mount surfaces. Working the solution beyond the outer hair or feathers can help establish direct contact with the infestation. For dense or long-haired mounts where complete saturation is difficult to confirm, wrapping may be appropriate according to our instructions to extend exposure. After treatment and drying, remaining debris and expired insects should be removed before repairs and reconditioning are performed. Following the complete treatment process helps address the infestation itself instead of focusing only on the insects that are immediately visible.

What Should I Do After Treating an Insect-Infested Taxidermy Mount?

Treating the infestation is an important step, but the process does not end immediately after the Mount Saver solution is applied. Once treatment and any necessary wrapping period are complete, the mount should be allowed to dry thoroughly. Fans or blow dryers can be used to help accelerate drying when appropriate. Afterward, remaining debris, expired insects, larvae, and eggs should be carefully removed from the mount.

This is also an opportunity to evaluate what physical damage occurred before the infestation was eliminated. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs, patching, painting, or other restoration work may be appropriate. Hair can then be fluffed and combed, while feathers can be carefully preened to help restore the mount’s presentation. We also recommend transitioning from active treatment to ongoing inspection and preventive care. Eliminating the immediate infestation solves the current problem, while continued maintenance helps protect the mount from developing another unnoticed insect issue later.