Dermested Beetle questions....

[AJMD429]

Dermestid Beetle questions....

Anyone here use them for deer skulls...??

We did a few years ago and I think only bought $50 or so worth of beetles (colony of 600 maybe), but I've read that you need at least 25,000 to do a deer skull. That gets pricey, but I'd assume after awhile the beetles would increase their number if you care for the colony properly.

I don't remember if we had a very long 'build up' time or not, but we have four skulls to clean.

 

[snapping turtle]

you are doing a euro mount?

My friend on the south east coast uses fire ants but we sure don’t need this nasty ants here in Indiana.

 

[Ggreen]

Beetles were too expensive. I commandeered the propane turkey fryer, some beer, powdered detergent, and a knife and did it over the course of a day. Skin it, pull the brain out with a wire hanger, boil and clean the rest of the flesh. My mother is a beautician so I got some hitest peroxide and bleached it in a dish pan. It's more zen than you would think.

 

[armyvet209]

I've always wanted to try beetles but I've only ever boiled in a turkey fryer and blasted with a small power washer

 

[Mark 1911]

Why not take it to someone that provides the service instead of buying the beetles? Wouldn't it be cheaper?

I found a website for a guy who does it in Wyoming (Skinner's Skull Shop), he charges $125 for a deer. I have a flyer at home for a guy who does it Indiana not sure where I put it. But I can call the guy who gave it to me if you're interested.

The mounts done with beetles are much prettier, IMHO.

http://skinnersskullshop.com/pictures.html

 

[sugarcreekbrass]

Bechtel’s Taxidermy uses beetles for euro mounts. He is in Crawfordsville. He does a lot of business and even gets jobs from other taxidermists that don’t have the beetles.

https://bechtelstaxidermy.com

 

[Tactically Fat]

Bechtel’s Taxidermy uses beetles for euro mounts. He is in Crawfordsville. He does a lot of business and even gets jobs from other taxidermists that don’t have the beetles.

https://bechtelstaxidermy.com

He's practically ATM's neighbor!

 

[two70]

By the time you buy the beetles and spend the time and money to maintain them, I'm not sure it is very feasible unless you are planning on doing a whole lot of skulls.

I've taken hog and deer skulls to Baker's Camp in Bainbridge and they do a good job. Cost was a bit less than $100 per skull at that time and they also have a camo dipping option for an additional cost.

 

[patience0830]

I usually bury it in the compost pile over the winter. The pressure washer takes care of whats left.