Where Can I Get Dermestid Beetles?

Dermestid beetles are common insects found in homes and are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin, including dead insects, pet hair, lint, woolen items, furs, and feathers. They are part of the Dermestinae subfamily and can be found indoors. Dermestid BeetleWorks is a trusted source for taxidermists, research labs, universities, hunters, and enthusiasts. They have been used by museums and taxidermists for over 100 years in the preparation of skeletons.

To start your own colony for personal or commercial use, purchase Dermestid Beetles from Boneyard Beetleworks™. They are also used to clean bones and skulls. Prices for these beetles vary based on species and can be found on their Skull Cleaning page.

Kodiak Bones and Bugs Taxidermy offers colonies of 50, 250, and 500 live flesh-eating Dermestid beetles and larvae, perfect for skull and skeleton cleaning, general taxidermy, cleaner crews, and other hobby or professional projects. They provide quality products at affordable prices, catering to any budget.

Dermestid beetles can be kept in almost anything escape-proof with adequate ventilation. They can be raised in various ways, such as using attractant tablets to detect adult presence and shipping them anywhere in the United States.

In the wild, dermestid beetles are present during death and decomposition. Their colonies are 100% healthy and guaranteed to be free of mites, fly larvae, or other pests. To maintain the colonies, fish them out at the end of summer, hose them down, and enjoy the benefits of these beetles.

Can You Own Dermestid Beetles?

To establish your own colony of dermestid beetles, first find a reputable supplier that guarantees healthy, pest-free colonies. It’s essential to begin with a minimum of approximately 300 beetles, but for larger specimens like deer or bear skulls, you may need between 1, 000 to 5, 000 larvae to effectively consume all the soft tissue.

These beetles thrive in various lighting conditions, though they seem to acclimate to bright light despite initially scattering when exposed. I personally prefer keeping them in light. It’s common to find dermestid larvae inadvertently included in mail orders, such as those for dubia roaches. As a newcomer to taxidermy, I keep my beetles in a heated reptile tank in the garage, as warmth increases their activity and consumption rates.

Understanding the benefits and life cycle of dermestid beetles is crucial, as they exclusively feed on decaying flesh. A well-ventilated, escape-proof environment is necessary for their housing—plastic tubs with small drilled holes or mosquito mesh work well to keep unwanted insects out.

For beginners, purchasing a starter colony from a registered supplier is the best approach, although gathering wild beetles is an option, albeit a more challenging one. They can efficiently clean a skull in roughly two weeks, particularly favoring fatty tissue like brains, but be cautious as they may abscond with smaller bones. It's advised to avoid feeding them birds, as this can lead to complications.

If you’re interested, our Dermestid Beetle Kits allow customers to initiate their own colonies for personal or commercial use. These beetles are efficient at skull cleaning, which can be particularly beneficial for taxidermy projects. However, maintaining them requires commitment, as they can become a burden if not managed properly.

How Long Does It Take To Grow A Dermestid Beetle Colony?

Growing a dermestid beetle colony can be a swift process given optimal conditions. An adult female can lay approximately 5 eggs daily, resulting in larvae that mature to adulthood in 5 to 7 weeks. However, establishing a sufficient population, typically around 300 beetles for effective bone cleaning, may take time and is influenced by factors such as temperature, food availability, and the initial size of the colony.

Starting with as few as 12 beetles, one can expect significant population growth in a few months under favorable conditions, as dermestid beetles reproduce rapidly. The adult lifespan ranges from four to five months, during which a female can lay over 400 eggs, assuming a lifespan of about 100 days. Consequently, while the entire lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 5 to 7 weeks, it usually requires around 90 days to cultivate a thriving colony ready for bone cleaning.

When seeking to clean larger skulls, it is recommended to have a colony of at least 1, 000 to 5, 000 beetles. The cleaning speed can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on colony size. Proper enclosure, known as a Dermestidarium, is essential and can be created easily using accessible materials. Regular adjustments in feeding can support growth; for example, if beetles do not complete cleaning within 24 to 48 hours, the food supply should be modified.

The life cycle involves multiple developmental stages for larvae, which can take longer in less favorable conditions. Adequate care, including managing moisture levels to prevent mold, ensures a thriving colony that can efficiently handle more significant projects over time.

How Long Do Dermestid Beetles Last?

Dermestus maculatus, a species of dermestid beetle, is favored by museums due to its inability to fly at room temperature, minimizing escape risks. These beetles reproduce quickly, with a lifespan of about four to five months. The lifecycle begins with eggs that hatch in approximately four days, leading to the larval stage, which lasts around six weeks and constitutes the majority of their feeding activity. Dermestid beetles thrive in temperatures below 80°F, with optimal activity between 65°F and 85°F.

Adult beetles are small, ranging from 1 to 12 mm in length, and exhibit distinctive, colorful patterns on their scaly or hairy elytra. To maintain a dermestid colony, provide slightly dry meat for feeding, which may take up to 30 days to reacquaint them. They excel at consuming flesh, particularly favoring brain tissue for its fat content, and can clean a skull within about two weeks, influenced by the beetle population and skull size.

After approximately two months, females will lay hundreds of eggs, restarting the cycle. The total lifespan, considering all stages, is around four to five months, including egg hatching, larval feeding, pupation, and emergence. During pupation, larvae prefer sturdy materials like wood for forming chambers. Additionally, maintaining the beetle colony can be done with dry dog food ingredients, provided the environment is kept dry and mold-free.

While adult black carpet beetles live for about two months, certain related species, like the larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius), have a shorter life cycle of about 40 to 50 days. Overall, dermestid beetles play a significant role in the decomposition of organic materials, proving beneficial in various contexts.

How Bad Do Dermestid Beetles Smell?

Dermestid beetles, crucial for taxidermy as they efficiently clean carcasses, emit little to no odor themselves. Instead, any unpleasant smells largely stem from the decaying flesh, especially the brains, as the beetles consume the material. The accompanying waste, known as frass, which consists of beetle droppings, shed skins, and residual food, contributes significantly to odor. While some find the smell tolerable, it can cling to clothing and become particularly offensive, especially when dealing with rotting animals.

To manage the odor, a ventilation system can be established using simple materials like black plastic, a box fan, duct tape, and dryer tubing, which can help mitigate the smell. Dermestid beetles thrive in dark conditions with high humidity (50-60%) and a temperature around 27ºC (80ºF). Excess moisture can exacerbate smells, so proper environmental control is essential.

While the beetles can produce odor, it is generally considered manageable, and many people have reported using candles or other deodorizing methods to reduce the stench. It's important to note that while the beetles can create odor, especially in larger colonies, their environment plays a significant role in the intensity of the smell.

Maceration, another method for processing remains, is also identified as odorous, particularly when handling reptiles. Therefore, handling and cleaning practices are crucial. It’s advised to avoid keeping the beetles indoors due to potential ongoing smells; they should be contained in well-ventilated setups to minimize odors. In summary, while some odor is inevitable in beetle colonies, effective management practices can help reduce discomfort.

How Many Dermestid Beetles Do I Need?

To clean big game skulls effectively, it's essential to have thousands of Dermestid beetles and larvae. Many sources suggest that 100-300 beetles might suffice to start the cleaning process, which typically takes 3-5 days, depending on factors like temperature and humidity. However, for efficiently cleaning larger specimens, such as deer or elk skulls, a colony of at least 1, 000 beetles is recommended, while for extensive projects, 5, 000 beetles may be necessary. Smaller colonies can clean skulls, but the process will take longer.

Maintaining a specific temperature range is crucial for the beetles’ optimal breeding; excessive heat (over 85°F) can cause them to either leave or die. The larvae play a significant role as they can outnumber the adult beetles significantly – sometimes by 25-50 times. For small animal skulls, around 500 beetles are suitable, while larger skulls, such as bears or moose, require 1, 000 to 2, 000. Special care is needed for larger skulls, such as rabbits or beavers, which could need 4, 000 to 9, 000 beetles, respectively, while elk skulls may require up to 10, 000 beetles to prevent spoilage.

While 300 beetles can manage smaller skulls, those aiming for larger specimens should expect to grow their colony. Proper ventilation and a relative humidity range are vital, as the life cycle of beetles is moisture-dependent. DIY enclosures can be constructed easily for establishing colonies, making beetle care accessible to anyone willing to invest time and effort.

Where Can I Find Dermestid Beetles?

Dermestid beetles are common scavengers often found in kitchens and pantry areas, thriving on materials of animal origin like dead insects, pet hair, and woolen items. They can be associated with the remnants of food or even food caches made by rodents. Known for their ability to clean skeletons, these beetles are also called skin, carpet, larder, hide, or leather beetles—there are over 1, 800 species in the family Dermestidae.

The larvae are particularly useful in taxidermy and are utilized by museums and researchers for over a century. To successfully clean specimens, a colony of at least 300 beetles is recommended, with larger specimens, like deer or bear skulls, requiring up to 5, 000 larvae.

Often found breeding on items made of fur, feathers, and preserved animals, Dermestid beetles can also inhabit woolen clothing stored in attics or closets. For those interested in starting their own colony, various suppliers like Boneyard Beetleworks™ and Walks Again Taxidermy offer kits and colonies suitable for different budgets—from hobbyists to professional taxidermists. Care for Dermestid beetles necessitates a space such as a garage or shed, and they are relatively easy to find in the wild.

Customers can purchase Dermestid beetles online, leveraging their effective decomposition abilities to recycle decaying flesh. Overall, these industrious insects play an essential role in cleaning and preserving animal remains while presenting various opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals involved in taxidermy.

How Long Does It Take Dermestid Beetles To Clean A Skull?

The primary step in using dermestid beetles for skull cleaning is allowing them ample time to fully remove all flesh from the skull, which can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. The duration depends greatly on the size of the beetle colony; for efficient cleaning of a deer or elk skull, a colony of 1, 000 or more beetles is recommended to achieve results within just a few days. Smaller colonies can also work but will take considerably longer.

These beetles remain active in cold conditions, merely freezing rather than becoming dormant, and can consume almost anything except metal or glass. A robust colony, generally over 1, 000 beetles, can clean a deer skull in roughly five days, while individual variations like temperature and humidity can further influence this timeframe.

Typically, the cleaning process starts by removing the hide. Enthusiastic hunters often maintain large beetle colonies to ensure they can manage various skull sizes for cleaning. Initially, a small 1-ounce starter colony might be economical, but it requires time to grow sufficiently large to handle significant cleaning tasks efficiently.

Once the skull is cleaned, the remaining beetles should be removed, and the skull soaked in hot water to ensure thorough cleaning. In optimal dark and warm environments, dermestid larvae can clean smaller skulls in as short as three days, effectively stripping all flesh and cartilage down to a spotless bone.

In conclusion, the time required for dermestid beetles to clean a skull varies significantly, influenced by the beetle colony size and environmental conditions, with typical cleaning times spanning from a few days to a few weeks.

Can Dermestid Beetles Infest A House?

Several carpet beetle species from the Dermestid family can infest homes. These scavengers feed on dry animal or plant materials, with the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flavipes) being among the most common. They are attracted to lights, often hiding in ceilings, light fixtures, and furniture to stay near light sources. To eliminate infestations, it's crucial to vacuum carpets, pantries, and storage areas meticulously, removing both beetles and larvae.

Regular vacuuming and decluttering help prevent infestations, alongside storing food in sealed containers and inspecting groceries, especially grains. Utilizing natural repellents such as diatomaceous earth can also reduce their presence.

Typically, infestations originate from wild beetle populations that enter homes during warm months, seeking readily available food sources like old nests, animal remains, wood-based lagging, soundproofing materials, or wool furnishings. Dermestid beetles, commonly known as skin or carpet beetles, are prevalent urban pests capable of damaging various fabrics and upholstered items, including mattresses and traditional furniture.

Their larvae attack not only carpets, wool, and furs but can also consume dead insects and spiders. Although Dermestes species are harmless to humans, their high numbers can be problematic when they access sufficient food sources.

Effective management includes identifying the infestation's origin and removing or treating the affected materials. In regions like the UK, Dermestes beetles are commonly found in food storage areas and warehouses but may intermittently infest households. Severe infestations may require professional pest control measures, including relocating to different premises to control the problem. While they aren’t dangerous, Dermestid beetles are considered household pests due to their ability to damage most organic materials in homes.

Preventative measures such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and reducing clutter are essential in minimizing the risk of infestation. If an infestation is detected, immediate action through thorough cleaning and possibly using targeted treatments can help eradicate these persistent pests, ensuring they do not cause significant damage to household items.