How to Make Dermestid Beetle Containers

If you have ever seen a group of beetles chowing down on a carcass, then you have seen dermestid beetles. They are also known as hide, carrion, skin and carpet beetles. They are not harmful to humans, as they only consume dead animals or insects. To contain dermestid beetles, a container with a tight sealing lid is recommended because dermestid beetles fly. Keep your dermestid beetles in a container to prevent them from devouring items in your house.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 gallon glass jar with lid
  • Utility knife
  • 2 ½-by-2 ½ inch wire screen
  • Scissors
  • Wood shavings
  • Foam block, diameter of 6 inches
  • Sponge, diameter of 6 inches
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the lid off a 1 gallon glass jar. Cut a hole into the lid with the dimensions of 2-by-2 inches, using a utility knife.

    • 2

      Cut a 2 ½-by-2 ½ inch piece of wire screen, using scissors. Glue the wire screen to the outside of the lid. Dermestid beetles eat away at adhesives and glues.

    • 3

      Pour a ½ inch layer of wood shavings in the bottom of the glass jar.

    • 4

      Insert a foam block on top of the wood shavings with the same diameter as the bottom of the glass jar. If the diameter of the jar is 6 inches, cut a foam block to a diameter of 6 inches, using scissors.

    • 5

      Insert a sponge on top of the foam block with the same diameter as the bottom of the glass jar. If the diameter of the jar is 6 inches, cut a sponge to a diameter of 6 inches, using scissors.

    • 6

      Spray the inside of the glass jar with water once a day.

    • 7

      Store the glass jar in a room around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature. The room should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.