Control of the dreaded Skipper insect, plus a thank you.

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 13:42

Hello,

Went to smoke house to check on a couple of hams that have been cured and smoked for several months. Temps are now approaching 100 deg F in this area of the country, and I am now noticing insect eggs and a few larva. I brought one of the hams in and processed it. While there were few larvae, there were numerous eggs present. Ham was perfectly cured thanks to the help of this forum.

Is there any treatment that I can use to stop further infestation? I was thinking of spraying olive oil and Tabasco on the remaining ham which is not as badly contaminated.

Any help would be appreciated. In the past you folks have been great in helping me learn fermented meat tech and ham production. A big thank you to all for the education......Jerald

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 15:08

Rub the hams with borax and wrap them in Kraft paper and place them in cloth bags.

Post by **Bob K** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 16:58

Borax

Its good for controlling bugs Ross...but not on food.

Borax, given the E number E285, is used as a food additive in some countries, but is banned in the US.

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 21:06

It washes off!

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:14

Thanks ssorllih. They definitely don't like the borax! Since they're on the skin, not worried about it. Any ideas for where to get the cloth bags? Thanks......Jerald

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Mon Aug 25, 2014 13:18

A pillow case will work if you don't have a sewing machine.