Resource Options For Building Insect Collections

Q: Occasionally we get customers and other people inquiring as to where they can get insect collecting supplies for their children’s school assignments. Usually, they are asking for insect pins that they can’t seem to find anywhere locally. Do you have a recommendation as to where we can send these people for these supplies? (FM)

A: I have two excellent recommendations for you with regard to referring parents and others to a source of insect collection equipment or supplies. The first is BioQuip Products. They are located in Gardena, California. Their telephone number is 310/324-0624. If it has to do with insect collections and curating, they have it. I would recommend that you mention BioQuip’s Student Insect Collecting and Mounting Kit. This kit contains just about everything a student would require to put an insect collection together. The catalog number for this item is 1138 and it sells for approximately $34.

Another excellent collecting kit for students is available from Biological Research Development Co. in Beaumont, Texas. Their telephone number is 409/886-1967. The B-R-D Kit includes insect pins, a Styrofoam® collection box, blank labels and an instruction booklet. The kit sells for approximately $15. I remember using kits from this firm when I was an entomology student. The Styrofoam box also features a special lid that doubles as a pinning board for Lepidoptera and other winged insects. In my opinion, it’s the perfect choice for high school students putting together collections.

Jeffrey Tucker is president of Entomology Associates, Houston. Questions can be sent to Questions & Answers, c/o Entomology Associates, P.O. Box 70375, Houston TX 77270, or faxed to him at 713/681-9069

IPM EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Q: We have found a lot of information on integrated pest management programs and techniques, however, we have not been able to locate a good source of equipment and tools that might be used in implementing IPM programs. Can you recommend a good source? (B.D.)

A: Absolutely. I suggest you contact Gempler’s. They can be reached at 800/874-4755. Gempler’s produces a full/color IPM buyers guide that lists literally hundreds of items that can be utilized in IPM programs. They have a full range of IPM information sources as well as traps of all types. A good portion of the catalogue is directed toward agricultural IPM programs. However, I have found that by looking through this material I get all kinds of ideas about how to adapt some of that material to problems that we commonly experience in structural and urban pest control.

Jeffrey Tucker is president of Entomology Associates, Houston. Questions can be sent to Questions & Answers, c/o Entomology Associates, P.O. Box 70375, Houston TX 77270, or faxed to 713/681-9069.