Buy Dermestid Beetles
100% Healthy Dermestid Beetle Colonies For Sale
| 5000+ Beetle/larvae colony – $450 + 7% sales tax | |
| 1000+ Beetle/larvae colony – $125 + 7% sales tax | |
| 300+ Beetle/larvae colony – $60 + 7% sales tax | |
| $45 CAD Canadian Shipping Add-on |
*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.
For FAQ’s regarding maintaining a dermestid beetle, click here
Beetle Purchase Update – Late November 2024
I work hard to try to accommodate having dermestids well into the hunting season. We are late into the “dermestid season”. Unfortunately, due to increases in late-season orders, I have reached the annual point in my business where orders are intersecting with the biology of Dermestis maculatus. (Dermestids, as you may know, live a long life cycle in insect-terms (5-7 months) and consequently colonies have a slower reproductive rate than we all would like…)
To maintain a minimum base level of “brood-stock”, I am forced to discontinue accepting orders for the 5K+ colony.
I AM accepting orders for the 300+ and 1K+ colonies. The 300+ colonies are being shipped within several days of receiving orders.
Due to shipping delays and weather, I have a shipping stand-down from the week prior to Christmas until after New Year’s. NEW orders for the 1K+ colony will be shipped after January 1. I will notify you of your shipping schedule.
This delay allows me to ship somewhat more mature larvae as well as maintain my reputation for liberal amounts of smaller “extras”. I will also consider your weather at the time of shipping
I HATE to disappoint my customers and truly apologize for this delay. I hope you will understand. If this delay presents a serious hardship (science fair/education, etc.), please advise.
Skulls intended to be beetle cleaned can be allowed to simply dry out provided the skull is first skinned and loose meat removed. (I also and recommend removing the eyes and brain.) Prior to being beetle cleaned, the skull can be soaked in a bucket of water to rehydrate the meat. This will also kill any fly eggs/etc. that might have been on the skull. This delay will have NO negative effect on the final quality.
Payment and Shipping Information
Your colony is shipped using Priority Mail, to insure 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 insure 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”. I have learned and employ several important points regarding successful packing and shipping of dermestids In winter or if it is cold, I also include heat packs to insure they arrive safely. A delivery confirmation shipping number will be emailed to buyers upon shipping, to allow tracking your shipment via USPS.COM.
My beetles and service have been specifically recommended by professional taxidermists on Taxidermy.net. I have many references and repeat customers who will confirm customer satisfaction is the primary ethic behind my business.
Institutional Customers I am a strong advocate of dermestids in education! I am the provider of choice for many universities, museums and youth organizations.
Shipping to Canada/abroad:
We do ship to Canada and many foreign countries. We possess the required export permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to Customs and clearance delays, foreign shipments must travel International Express Mail speeds to preclude mortality. For Canada, the cost for any size colony is $45. As I offer free domestic shipping, I pay the difference to upgrade from Priority to Express.
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 my purchase process; I do not have credit card numbers or other personal information.
Buy Dermestid Beetles
My colonies are 100% healthy; I absolutely guarantee no mites, fly larvae or other pests occurring in my colonies. My colonies are housed in a new purpose-built, tight building, designed for keeping out other insects. I can guarantee no fly larvae, mites or other insect invaders in my colonies.
If not purchasing from me, you will want to insure yourself that other sellers maintain the strict quality controls I maintain for my beetles, as these pests could eventually wipe out your colony. I hear frequently from frantic buyers who have purchased dirty bugs from others, and have had pests introduced to their existing colonies.
I include detailed written instructions for start-up, maintenance and growth of your colony, and procedures to prepare/clean skulls. These instructions include important points learned from years of raising and using dermestids. These tips will greatly assist you in avoiding costly beginner mistakes while establishing and growing your colony!
After-sales “tech support”
If dermestids are new for you, you likely WILL have questions. It is my priority to insure you have success with your colony. I am available and responsive by phone or email to offer start-up support or address any questions or concerns. Don’t waste your money or take chances with your trophy, consider what after-the-sale support is worth…?
I specialize in assisting in the successful set-up and growth of artisanal skull cleaning businesses.
