Why Use Dermestid Beetles

Taxidermists have a few options when it comes to preserving the bones of animal specimens. A few can be rather harsh, such as chemical treatments (i.e., tanning) and boiling, but skeletonization can be achieved in an easier, more natural way—with dermestid beetles. In...
How Many Dermestid Beetles Do I Need for Skull Cleaning?

How Many Dermestid Beetles Do I Need for Skull Cleaning?

Flesh-eating beetles, or dermestids, are harmless beetles that eat flesh off animal carcasses and human remains. The larvae of dermestid beetles feed continuously until all that’s left is bone. This process is known as skeletonization and is often used by...
How Do You Care for Dermestid Beetles?

How Do You Care for Dermestid Beetles?

Dermestid beetles are often used in taxidermy, as their larvae are efficient scavengers that feed on dead tissue until there’s nothing left but bone. Colonies need proper care to thrive. You’ll need a minimum of 300 beetles to get started, and 1,000 to 5,000 to...
How to Make the Best Dermestid Beetle Enclosure

How to Make the Best Dermestid Beetle Enclosure

Whether you’re a taxidermist who needs clean skulls, a hunter looking for a fresh trophy, or an artist or museum curator, dermestid beetles are efficient and thorough. These beetles used for taxidermy clean skulls and prevent damage from boiling or chemicals. You’ll...
Which Dermestid Beetles Are the Right Ones to Purchase?

Which Dermestid Beetles Are the Right Ones to Purchase?

Take care of your beetle colony, and they will eat meat down to the bone. It sounds simple, but the truth is, some beetles are better than others. When it comes to taxidermy, dermestid beetles are the preferred choice, but did you know there are different types?...
Skull Cleaning 101: Is a Skull Mount Right for Me?

Skull Cleaning 101: Is a Skull Mount Right for Me?

Most hunters have prized trophies they want to give the full taxidermy treatment and preserve. For other game, skull cleaning and creating a skull mount provides another option for creating a stunning mount. The process to create a skull mount is not that difficult...
Everything You Want to Know About Cleaning a Bear Skull

Everything You Want to Know About Cleaning a Bear Skull

You have your bear hunt schedule and are looking forward to bagging your prize bear or at least a very large one. After your bear hunt and bagging your game, you will definitely want to keep the black bear skull, Kodiak bear skull, or another bear skull as a trophy to...
Cleaning Furbearer and Small Mammal Skulls 101

Cleaning Furbearer and Small Mammal Skulls 101

You’ve caught a furbearer trophy, but now comes the hard part. A thorough skull cleaning is needed to properly display it. Providing one of the most effective ways to deflesh a specimen, a dermestid beetle colony can give you the results you need. Here is a look into...