INFORMATION ON DERMESTID BEETLES

Dermestid beetles and their colonies do not have to stink!

You can find two thoughts on dermestid beetles and the smell of a colony...one group (those who are selling) and then others. The two seem to have totally different opinions.

 Many sellers use terms like worm bedding or musky or earthy, and those terms actually fit.....if you only feed dry dog kibble and never put a skull in the box. 

Then things happen and not for the good. If the skull still has some brain matter you will probably be subjected to the most gagging, foul, nasty odors you have ever experienced unless you know a trick or two.

Actually there is no trick, just a very simple fix...called ventilation. 

This magical fix can be used with any size colony, from the small 5 gallon aquarium to a big chest freezer and if done right it will not cause problems for the critters. If done wrong it will cost you money, kill some of your bone cleaners and many exposed eggs.

More information on that subject later. I can't give up all my little bits of information just yet.

Flesh-eating-beetles are kewl

Dermestid Beetles - The Bone Cleaners

Many people raise dermestid beetles, some sell small starter colonies, others use them to clean skulls and bones. They are a source of income to these folks.

The interesting thing is most hobbiest and a lot of the small businesses really do not have any inkling on what the colonies are capable of.

I started three colonies last year.  Today any one of those colonies those can clean a deer head in less than 2 days. Not bad from a start of less than 700 dermestids per box.  I researched the insects for about two years before taking the big step and buying them.  I've used the information that was dug out of every paper and book I could find to raise these critters.

I am quite pleased at the results so far...and hopeful that things continue.