Buy Dermestid Beetles
100% Healthy Dermestid Beetles for Sale
Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy offers dermestid beetles for sale, providing 100% healthy, pest-free colonies for skull cleaning and taxidermy.
Dermestid beetles are flesh-eating insects used by taxidermists, museums, and serious collectors to clean skulls and bones with unmatched precision. They remove tissue without damaging delicate structures, preserving every fine detail.
At Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, our dermestid beetles for sale are professionally bred, 100% healthy, and guaranteed free of mites and pests. These colonies are intended for professional use and committed hobbyists who want reliable, consistent results.
Choose the colony size that fits your workload and get started with a proven skull-cleaning solution today.
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*Larger orders accepted. Contact us for discount information on larger orders.
* Be sure to provide an accurate shipping address, and an email address, so I can notify you upon shipping.
*If you prefer to send a check or money order, please add 7% sales tax. This may be sent to: KBBT, 24 High Meadow Drive, Lyle, WA 98635
All prices include shipping via USPS Priority Mail!
Shipments are normally made no later than 2-3 days following receipt of payment. Special shipping arrangements can generally be accommodated with prior notification.
There are currently NO delays in shipping!
We ship on Mondays and Thursdays. We DO however, watch your local weather forecasts and will delay shipping if subfreezing temperatures are expected on the day of delivery.
We keep in constant communication through email with customers regarding shipping and will send a tracking number and a detailed guidance document when the colony is shipped.
With customer cooperation, these efforts have resulted in no temperature-related mortality in many hundreds of shipments.
Customer satisfaction is my goal! If any issue arises, we work closely with customers to find solutions that ensure mutual satisfaction.
Please check our reviews!
Click here for FAQs regarding maintaining a dermestid beetle colony
What Are Dermestid Beetles?
Dermestid beetles, often called taxidermy beetles, are flesh-eating beetles that feed on dead animal tissue. In taxidermy and osteology, they are widely used to clean skulls and skeletons while maintaining the natural integrity of the bone.
Unlike boiling or chemical treatments, dermestid beetle skull cleaning removes tissue without altering bone density or surface detail. They work into tight areas such as nasal cavities, sutures, and other fine structures that are difficult to clean by hand.
The species of dermestid beetles most commonly used for skull preparation is Dermestes maculatus, valued for its efficiency and reliability in controlled colonies.
For this reason, dermestid beetles are trusted by professional taxidermists, museums, universities, and serious collectors who require accurate, high-detail results.
Why Buy Dermestid Beetles From Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy?
When purchasing professional taxidermy beetles, colony health is everything. At Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, every colony is bred in a purpose-built facility designed to prevent contamination from mites, fly larvae, and outside pests.
We maintain strict quality control standards to ensure you receive active, healthy dermestid beetles ready to work. Our colonies are consistent, stable, and professionally managed—not collected from uncontrolled environments.
Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy serves everyone from dedicated hobbyists to full-time professionals who rely on consistent results. We understand the workload demands of skull preparation and breed colonies suited for real production use.
Every order includes practical care guidance, secure shipping throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries, plus responsive customer support. You receive a pest-free, production-ready colony prepared for dependable, long-term use.
How to Choose the Right Dermestid Beetle Colony
Choosing the right colony of bone-cleaning skin and hide beetles depends on your workload and specimen size.
Small Dermestid Colonies
300+ beetles/larvae
- Ideal for hobbyists
- Best for small mammals, birds, or occasional projects
- Slower cleaning time for larger skulls
Medium to Large Dermestid Colonies
1000-5000+ beetles/larvae
- Suitable for deer, hog, or similar-sized skulls
- Faster turnaround
- Better for ongoing or business-level work
Colony strength depends on both larvae and adult beetles. Dermestid beetle larvae perform most of the cleaning, while adult dermestids reproduce and sustain colony growth. A balanced colony of carpet beetles ensures continuous productivity.
If you plan to clean multiple large skulls regularly, invest in a larger colony upfront. If you are starting out or cleaning small specimens, a smaller colony can grow over time.
Matching colony size to workload prevents die-off from overfeeding and ensures consistent results.
Payment and Shipping Information
Your colony is shipped using Priority Mail to ensure rapid delivery. Normal delivery time is 4-5 days following purchase. The beetles/larvae are shipped in the sawdust-like medium they create (called “frass”) when they reduce specimen and bedding material. The frass has insulating properties, and helps ensure the colony survives the trip in familiar surroundings, ready to immediately begin cleaning and reproducing. The frass also contains beetle eggs, which will hatch within days.
All shipments are marked “Perishable” and “No Heat/Freeze”. We have learned and implemented several key practices for successfully packing and shipping dermestids. In winter or cold conditions, we include heat packs to ensure they arrive safely. A delivery confirmation tracking number will be emailed to buyers upon shipment, allowing them to track their order via USPS.com.
Kodiak beetles and services have been specifically recommended by professional taxidermists on Taxidermy.net. Kodiak has many references and repeat customers who will confirm customer satisfaction is the primary ethic behind our business.
Institutional Customers: Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy is a strong advocate of dermestids in education! We are the provider of choice for many universities, museums, and youth organizations. Contact us directly for tax-exempt or other specific needs/desires.
Shipping to Canada and Other Countries:
We ship to Canada and many other countries. We possess the required export permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to customs and clearance delays, foreign shipments must travel International Express Mail speeds to minimize the risk of mortality.
For Canada: The cost for any size colony is $45 CAD. As we offer free domestic shipping, we pay the difference to upgrade from Priority to Express.
For other countries: Please contact us by email with your specific interests. We will research and provide you the costs/logistics to successfully ship quality dermestids.
Please purchase with confidence! Thank you for the opportunity to meet your needs.
Your online security is important to us. PayPal administers our purchase process; we do not have access to credit card numbers or other personal information.
High-Quality Dermestid Beetles for Sale
At Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, we take pride in offering 100% healthy flesh-eating beetles for sale. We guarantee that our colonies are completely free from mites, fly larvae, and other pests. Our beetles are housed in a secure, purpose-built facility specifically designed to keep out insect invaders, ensuring the highest quality and health standards.
Avoid the Risks of Contaminated Colonies
Not all sellers maintain strict quality standards. Infestations from mites or fly larvae can quickly devastate a colony. We often hear from buyers who unknowingly purchased contaminated beetles, only to have their existing colonies wiped out.
Once pests infiltrate a colony, they can be extremely difficult—if not impossible—to eliminate without starting over. This can result in wasted time, money, and frustration. Investing in a clean, well-maintained colony from the start is the best way to ensure long-term success.
Choose the Right Flesh-Eating Beetles for Sale
To protect your investment, always buy from a trusted supplier. We uphold rigorous quality control to ensure you receive only healthy, pest-free beetles. We take the extra steps to carefully monitor and maintain our beetles, ensuring they arrive strong, active, and ready to help you with your skull cleaning needs.
Get Expert Guidance with Every Purchase
To set you up for success, every purchase includes detailed written instructions on colony setup, maintenance, and skull cleaning. These instructions are based on years of experience raising and using dermestid beetles, providing valuable insights to help you avoid costly beginner mistakes and ensure your colony thrives.
Reliable Support When You Buy Dermestid Beetles From Kodiak
If you’re new to dermestid beetles, you may have questions—and we’re here to help. When you buy dermestid beetles from Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, you’re not just purchasing a colony—you’re gaining access to expert support to ensure your success.
We prioritize customer satisfaction and are available by phone or email to provide guidance on colony setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Whether you need help starting your first colony or expanding a growing operation, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best results.
Additionally, we specialize in assisting with the successful setup and growth of artisanal skull cleaning businesses, making us a trusted resource for professionals and hobbyists alike.
How to Set Up a Skin Beetle Colony
Dermestid beetle colony setup is straightforward when done correctly.
1. Enclosure
Use a secure, escape-proof container with smooth interior walls. Plastic storage totes or dedicated wooden enclosures work well.
2. Temperature
Maintain a stable temperature between 70–80°F. Warmer temperatures increase activity and cleaning speed.
3. Ventilation
Provide airflow while preventing outside pests from entering. Fine mesh screens work well.
4. Bedding
Use corrugated cardboard to provide surface area for beetles and larvae.
5. Introducing Bones
Always remove excess food sources before placing a skull in the colony. Avoid wet or rotting specimens, as excessive moisture can cause mold.
A stable, warm, dry environment is key to long-term colony success.
Dermestid Beetle Care & Maintenance
Healthy colonies require consistent, simple maintenance and an understanding of dermestid beetle life cycles.
- Feed regularly with dry tissue or properly prepared specimens. Avoid overfeeding, which can cause odor, mold, and excess moisture inside the enclosure.
- Keep humidity controlled to prevent mites and fungal growth. Remove leftover debris periodically to maintain a clean environment.
- Inspect your colony routinely for signs of pests or die-off. A healthy colony should show activity across all life cycles—eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—with visible larvae and steady reproduction indicating strong colony balance.
Maintaining stable temperatures and avoiding sudden environmental changes are critical for long-term productivity. With proper care and attention to life cycle development, a colony can sustain itself for years and continue expanding.
Common Uses for Dermestid Beetles
- Skull cleaning for taxidermy and European mounts
- Museum and university specimen preparation
- Bone preservation for collectors and researchers
- Educational and anatomical study projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dermestid beetles eat?
Dermestid beetles, sometimes called skin beetles, feed on dried animal-based materials. They eat dead insects, fur, feathers, and hair. They are not herbivores and do not consume plant material like leaves, straw, wood shavings, fruit, or vegetables.
Are dermestid beetles safe to keep?
Yes. When properly contained, dermestid beetles are safe to maintain in a controlled enclosure. Among taxidermy supplies, beetles are widely used for skull and bone preparation and are commonly kept by professionals and serious hobbyists.
Do dermestid beetles damage bone?
No. When cleaning bones, dermestid beetles remove soft tissue without harming the bone structure.
How fast do beetles clean a skull?
Cleaning time depends on skull size and colony strength. Small skulls, such as birds or raccoons, may take a few days. A deer skull typically takes about one week with an established colony. Larger specimens, like elk or bear, may require one to two weeks depending on tissue volume and beetle population.
Do you ship dermestid beetles in the U.S. or internationally?
Yes. We provide secure dermestid beetle shipping across the United States, supplying dermestid beetles USA customers rely on, as well as orders to Canada and many other countries where permitted.
What size colony do I need?
It depends on specimen size and volume. Occasional small skulls require smaller colonies; larger or frequent projects require larger colonies.
Ready to Get Started?
Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy provides professionally bred, pest-free, museum-grade beetles trusted by taxidermists, institutions, and serious collectors.
Choose the colony size that matches your needs, or contact us with questions. We’re here to help you clean skulls the right way—with precision, consistency, and confidence.