Dermestid Beetles for Taxidermy: The Best Way to Clean Bones

Taxidermists rely on dermestid beetles as an effective, natural method for cleaning skulls and preparing European mounts, shoulder mounts, and full-body displays. Unlike other methods, such as boiling or chemical treatments, taxidermy beetles meticulously remove flesh without damaging delicate bone structures.

These beetles are widely used by museums, universities, and professional taxidermists because they preserve the intricate details of a skull—including the fragile nasal bones and fine sutures—that might otherwise be lost with harsher cleaning techniques.

A dermestes maculatus beetle otherwise known as an European mount

By Paul venter – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45079253

 

Why Use Dermestid Beetles for Taxidermy?

Using flesh-eating beetles for taxidermy offers multiple advantages over alternative cleaning methods, including:

  • Preserves Bone Integrity – Boiling can weaken bones, loosen teeth, and cause shrinkage, while taxidermy beetles clean skulls without altering their structure.
  • Maintains Delicate Details – The intricate bones inside eye sockets and nasal cavities remain intact, ensuring a more accurate and aesthetically pleasing mount.
  • Odor-Free Cleaning – Unlike boiling and soaking, which can produce strong odors, beetle taxidermy is a much cleaner and more manageable process.
  • Hands-Off Process – Once the colony is established, the beetles do all the work, eliminating the need for constant supervision.
  • Ideal for All Mount Types – Whether preparing a skull for a European mount or cleaning bones for skeletal articulation, flesh-eating beetles provide a superior, damage-free solution.

What to Look for When Buying Dermestid Beetles for Taxidermy

Not all taxidermy beetle colonies are equal, and choosing the right supplier is crucial to ensuring a thriving colony that will clean skulls efficiently. Here’s what taxidermists should consider before making a purchase:

  • Colony Health – Ensure the beetles are active and free from mites, fly larvae, or other pests that could wipe out a colony.
  • Colony Size – A larger, established colony will clean skulls faster than a small starter colony. Choose the right size based on your processing needs.
  • Secure Housing Conditions – Ask whether the supplier maintains their colonies in a controlled, pest-free environment to prevent contamination.
  • Reliable Shipping Practices – A reputable seller will carefully package the beetles to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to work.
  • Customer Support and Guidance – New colony owners may have questions. Look for a seller who provides detailed care instructions and is available to offer support.

At Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, we prioritize the health and quality of our flesh-eating beetles to ensure taxidermists receive strong, pest-free beetles that are ready to clean efficiently.

Top Benefits of Buying Dermestid Beetles for Taxidermy

Flesh-eating beetles offer a natural, effective, and cost-efficient way to clean skulls for taxidermy. Here’s why taxidermists, collectors, and researchers continue to invest in them:

  • Efficient and Thorough – Taxidermy beetles clean every crevice of a skull, including hard-to-reach areas like nasal cavities.
  • Faster Processing – A well-established colony can clean a skull in just a few days, significantly reducing turnaround time.
  • Reusable and Sustainable – Once established, a dermestid beetle colony can be maintained and reused indefinitely, making it a long-term investment.
The best way to clean skulls for Taxidermists

Two skulls that have been cleaned posed on grass.

 

Buy the Healthiest Taxidermy Beetle Colonies From Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy

When purchasing flesh-eating beetles, choosing a supplier with strict quality control is essential. Poorly maintained colonies may arrive contaminated with mites or other pests, which can destroy an entire beetle population if introduced to an existing colony.

At Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy, we take extra precautions to house and monitor our taxidermy beetles in a secure, purpose-built facility, ensuring every colony we sell is 100% healthy and pest-free. Our beetles are carefully packed for safe shipping, and we provide detailed care instructions to help taxidermists successfully establish and maintain their colonies.

For high-quality dermestid beetles for taxidermy, trust Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy—your reliable source for healthy, effective skull-cleaning beetles. Whether you’re new to beetle taxidermy or looking to expand your colony, we’re here to provide expert support and top-tier beetles to ensure your success.

Buy flesh-eating beetles from Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy today!