How to Maintain Dermestid Beetles

Colonies of dermestid beetles are kept by taxidermists, universities, museums and hunters to clean flesh from skeletons. Dermestid beetles are preferred over chemical cleaning methods because they do not cause the bones to yellow. There are no permits required for using the beetles and they can be released in the woods when they have served their purpose. To keep a colony growing strong for cleaning projects, feeding, watering and maintaining appropriate tank conditions is a necessity.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic, metal or glass container
  • Container lid
  • Cotton wadding or shredded paper
  • Styrofoam
  • Sponge
  • Reptile heating pad
  • Spray bottle
  • Paper towels
  • Dry meat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the dermestid beetles in a container or aquarium. The container should be hard plastic, metal or glass. Place a lid on the container to prevent the beetles from escaping. A plastic, metal or wire mesh lid will work, but there should be tiny holes, not big enough for the beetles to escape through, poked into the top.

    • 2

      Add 1 inch of cotton wadding or shredded paper to the bottom of the container. Place pieces of Styrofoam or sponge on top of the shredded material to give the larvae a place to burrow into and turn into beetles.

    • 3

      Maintain a temperature of between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a reptile heating pad under the container to keep the temperature where it needs to be.

    • 4

      Water the beetles every other day by spraying a fine mist into the container with a water bottle. Another option is to spray a paper towel with a spray bottle once a week and set the towel in the bottom of the container. Maintaining proper moisture in the container promotes egg-laying and prevents mold growth.

    • 5

      Feed the beetles dry meat. Place a dead animal in the container after skinning it and cleaning out the blood and organs. Feed them chicken, beef, pork, fish or any other type of dry meat scraps. Freezer-burned meats are an ideal food. Beetles can go for up to two weeks without feeding if necessary.