Kodiak Bones &
Bugs Taxidermy
Dermestid beetles are a specialized species of beetles that eat only dead animal flesh. Dermestid beetles are the longstanding preferred method for obtaining the highest-quality cleaning and preparation of animal skulls and bones, used by museum and university collections around the world.
Buy 100% Healthy Dermestid Beetles
Buy Dermestid Beetles & Skull Cleaning Services
100% Healthy Dermestid Beetle Colonies
Dermestid beetles, also known as flesh-eating beetles, are a specialized species that feed exclusively on dead animal flesh. They have long been the preferred method for cleaning animal skulls for mounting and display, widely used by museums and university collections around the world. Read our FAQs for more information about our dermestid beetles for sale.
Dermestid Beetles for Sale
Kodiak dermestid beetle colonies are 100% healthy—we absolutely guarantee no mites, fly larvae, or other pests in your purchase. Our beetle colonies are housed in a secure, purpose-built building designed to keep out insects. Learn more about how we ship dermestid beetles throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
Skull Cleaning Services
Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy is a professional, licensed, family-operated taxidermy service specializing in expert-quality skull cleaning and European mounts, using flesh-eating beetles for taxidermy. If you want a high-quality trophy, count on Kodiak to properly clean and prepare your animal skull trophy for you with healthy dermestid beetles.
Healthy Dermestid Beetles for Sale
Our dermestid beetles for sale are 100% healthy, and we absolutely guarantee they are free from mites, fly larvae, or other pests. Our colonies are housed in a purpose-built facility specifically designed to prevent contamination from outside insects.
If you choose to buy from another seller, be sure they uphold the same strict quality controls that we do. Infestations from mites or fly larvae can quickly devastate a colony. We frequently hear from frantic buyers who unknowingly purchased contaminated beetles, only to have pests introduced to their existing colonies. We don’t want you to experience this costly frustration.
Using dermestid beetles for skull cleaning offers several advantages over methods like boiling or composting. Our mission is simple—to provide you with the best possible results, using the same high-quality dermestid beetle colonies trusted by professional taxidermists and art institutions worldwide.
Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy proudly ships dermestid beetle colonies throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the world.
Reasons to Buy Dermestid Beetles
There are many reasons to choose Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy when looking for dermestid beetles for sale, including the following:
- Perform DIY Skull Cleaning: When you buy dermestid beetles, they are a great way to clean and prepare bones for display, research, or other uses. They eat the flesh off of the bone quickly and efficiently without damaging it in any way. This makes them ideal for use on small animals, such as rodents or birds that have delicate skeletons.
- Expand Your Taxidermy Business: Serious taxidermists buy dermestid beetles when they want to deliver exceptional results. These beetles for taxidermy efficiently strip flesh from large mammals like deer, elk, and moose, making the taxidermy process much faster and easier than doing it all by hand.
- Create Unique Art Pieces: Artists buy dermestid beetles and use them to create unique pieces of art. They are used to clean bones and other materials used in sculptures, jewelry, or other types of artwork.
- Use as Fish Bait: The larvae of these beetles can also be used as fishing bait due to their scent, which attracts fish easily. Many anglers buy dermestid beetles because they prefer using dermestid larvae over other types of bait since they last longer in water and will not rot as quickly as some other baits might when exposed to moisture or high temperatures.
- Start a Side Business: You could start a local business and provide skull cleaning using dermestid beetles for your family, friends, and others in your community. This is a lucrative business opportunity as the demand for clean bones with intricate details to display or use in art projects is increasing.
- Include in Science Projects: Schools, universities, and individuals buy dermestid beetles to use in science projects and experiments. They are especially useful for dissection, cleaning bones for further study, or creating skeletons of small animals.
Additionally, when you buy dermestid beetles from Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy—whether in Canada, the United States, or other countries—we provide ongoing support to help ensure your beetle colonies thrive.
FAQ
Do dermestid beetles eat live flesh?
No, dermestid beetles do not eat live flesh. They are scavengers that feed on dry, dead organic matter like dead insects, animal carcasses, and dried animal products. This makes them perfect for cleaning bones, as they consume the remaining soft tissues without damaging the bones. Flesh-eating beetles play a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient recycling in nature by breaking down and consuming dead organic matter. They pose no threat to living organisms and are safe to handle for skull cleaning or specimen preparation.
How and when do I feed dermestid beetles?
Feed dermestid beetles small amounts of dried meat, dried fish, or jerky. Hot dogs make an ideal food for starting and growing a small colony. Offer food every few days, adjusting portions based on the colony’s consumption. Overfeeding can lead to mold, while underfeeding can harm the colony. Start new colonies with small food amounts and increase as the population grows. Maintain cleanliness by removing uneaten food and provide a water source, like a damp sponge or water gel, to help with humidity.
How many dermestid beetles do I need for a skull cleaning?
The number of dermestid beetles needed for skull cleaning depends on the skull size. For small skulls, a colony of 500-1,000 beetles is usually sufficient. For larger skulls, such as deer or elk, you may need 2,000-3,000 beetles or more for efficient cleaning.
How long does skull cleaning take?
The duration of skull cleaning by dermestid beetles varies with the skull’s size and condition and the beetle colony size. Typically, smaller skulls can be cleaned within several days, while larger skulls may take a week or longer.
Do dermestid beetles smell?
Dermestid beetles themselves do not produce any odor. However, over time, their waste product, consisting of a powder, will accumulate. This has a funky biological odor. There are easy methods to routinely reduce the amount of frass, to reduce or eliminate odor.
How do you ship your beetles?
We ship our dermestid beetles throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries in secure, ventilated containers that provide a safe and stable environment during transit. The containers are packed to ensure the beetles arrive healthy and ready to work.
What can I expect when receiving my dermestid beetle shipment?
When receiving your dermestid beetle shipment, expect a healthy, active colony in a secure, ventilated container. Carefully transfer the beetles to their new habitat, providing immediate access to food and water. It’s normal for beetles to be somewhat inactive after shipping; they will become more active as they acclimate to their new environment. We also send a multi-page guidance document when we ship the dermestids.