Boneyard Beetleworks

06/02/2022

Temperature and humidity are both very important environmental conditions that you must monitor and control for optimal performance and growth of your colony. This can be done a variety of ways, but the easiest and most accurate way is by installing a dual function thermostat and humidistat.
- Unless you have electrical skill, you should stick to one of the many plug-and-play models available.
- A humidistat is a small electronic device that works just like a thermostat, except, instead of measuring and responding to a space’s temperature, it measures and respond to the space’s humidity.
- A humidistat works by automatically switching on/off connected humidity control devices such a humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and fans.

See what dual function thermostat and humidistat we recommend at:

05/07/2022

Caring for a colony of Dermestid beetles is no different than any other pet or animal. They need a safe environment where they can live and reproduce.
▪ Dermestid beetles can be housed (aka dermestarium) in any suitable container that they cannot chew through or crawl up and out of such as metal, plastic, or glass.
▪ Many colonies have been kept in aquariums tanks, used chest freezers, and plastic tote containers. Often you can find used aquariums, totes, and other housing options at thrift stores, garage sales, or Craig’s List – get creative.
▪ If you do use an aquarium, make sure to remove all the silicone on the in-sides to prevent the beetles for crawling up the silicon and out of their container. Check any used freezers for cracks, holes, or open seams and patch appropriately.
▪ I have found that epoxy is the best material for sealing containers, because, in my experience beetles can eventually chew through HVAC or insulation tape.
▪ The size of the dermestarium is not critical so long as it is able to completely house your projects.
▪ Any container must also have an adequate cover to prevent beetles from escaping yet still allow for some ventilation. A good secure cover will also prevent foreign insects from entering the container and contaminating your colony. ▪ Many newcomers are concerned about the odor produced by an active colony. Proper specimen preparation and a properly ventilated container can eliminate most offensive odors. ▪ If you choose to keep your dermestarium outdoors, make
sure it is insulated from severe temperature (hot and cold) and secure from pests. Once the
Dermestarium is secure you can prepare it with the proper habitat (substrate, temp./humidity)
for the beetles to thrive.

What do you use to house your beetles?

05/01/2022

So now you have an understanding on what size colony you need, but how can you ensure that you have a variety of life cycles within your colony?

▪ Adult beetles are necessary for reproduction and population increases.
▪ Larvae are responsible for consuming protein matter (meat and tissue).

Here is a simplified chart to follow when determining the beetle life cycle. 👇

04/30/2022

If you're wondering, "How many beetles do I need for my project?" it is important that you realistically evaluate your time and needs. Having the correct sized colony will allow the beetles to work most efficiently. The quicker you want a skull project completed the more beetles you need. The more projects you have cleaning simultaneously the more beetles you need.

Based on years of experience, here are general colony size recommendations. Your individual situation will vary due to a multitude of factors.

To clean a single prepared skull in about 1 week you will need the following minimum number of beetles

Small rodent/bird/bat - 600 - 1,200
Coyote/cat/fox/beaver - 1,200 - 1,800
Deer/wolf/bear - 1,800-3,600
Elk/brown bear - 3,600-7,200

If your colony is too small for a project then flesh can begin to rot, stink, and potentially introduce mold. With that being said, beetle colonies do grow larger with time and you can expect a population to double in approximately 2 months. To minimize foul odors and drying out, small colonies should be allowed to grow before tackling large projects. It is very helpful to have a basic understanding of the Dermestid beetle life cycle.

Come back tomorrow for our next post about the beetle life cycle!

04/17/2022

Are you interested in starting a beetle colony, but not sure where to start? Check out our page for all you need, from how large of a colony you need and how to properly care for them!

Bone Yard Beetle Works™ has been cleaning skulls with Dermestid beetles (Dermestis maculatis) since 2001 and specializes in European Mount Taxidermy and wholesale Dermestid beetle sales.

04/13/2022

FAQ: What should I keep my Dermestid beetles in?

Dermestid beetles can be kept in any suitable container that they cannot chew through or crawl out of such as metal, plastic, or glass. Many colonies have been kept in aquarium tanks, used chest freezers, and plastic containers (specifically Sterilite brand). If you do use an aquarium, make sure to remove all the silicone in the corners to prevent beetles from crawling up the silicon and out of their container. Any container must also have an adequate cover to prevent beetles from escaping, yet still allow for some ventilation. A good secure cover will also prevent foreign insects from entering the container and contaminating your colony.

❓How do you house your beetles?

04/10/2022

FAQ: Do Dermestid Beetles stink? 🧐

Many newcomers are concerned about the odor produced by an active colony. However, proper specimen preparation and a properly ventilated container with an appropriately sized fan can eliminate most offensive odors. If you are really concerned about odor there are ways to construct active airflow systems that will exhaust air and odors to an outside location. Any ventilation you provide must not be excessive to the point that it desiccates (dries out) the young larvae or pupae. Removing as much flesh from your specimen prior to placing it in your container will also help to minimize odor. Although brain matter is one of the best things to feed beetles, it is also what produces the foulest odor as it decomposes.

We want to hear your thoughts on odor control! Leave them down below 👇

04/08/2022

At Boneyard Beetleworks, we pride ourselves on being the best in the industry!

👉Our beetles are cultivated by a licensed taxidermist and professional biologist who knows about quality control, and our colonies are guaranteed to be free of mites and invasive pests.
👉Our beetles are from 100% healthy colonies and guaranteed to be free of mites and invasive pests.
👉Our beetles are sold year-round, and grown specifically for resale.
👉All orders from Boneyard Beetleworks contain a good composition of beetle life stages for your success.
👉You will receive a FREE copy of our Quick Start Guide and we are available before and after the sale to help you with questions and concerns.

Visit us at https://www.boneyardbeetleworks.com today!

Bone Yard Beetle Works™ has been cleaning skulls with Dermestid beetles (Dermestis maculatis) since 2001 and specializes in European Mount Taxidermy and wholesale Dermestid beetle sales.

04/07/2022

We want to be a page where you can come and get information on all things Dermestid beetles!

Have a question or want to discuss a topic? Leave it in the comments below, or send us a DM, and we will be answering them throughout the month of April!

03/16/2022

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a European Skull Mount?

A European skull mount is a form of taxidermy that only utilizes the skull or head portion of the animal as a display to honor and memorialize an animal. As the name implies, this method has its origin in old Europe where it was the first method of skull mounting. It is a traditional method of removing muscle and other fleshy tissue leaving only the white skull. It is still the case today that many sportsmen chose to have their trophy prepared in this manner because it can be very inexpensive compared to shoulder or full body mounts. Various cleaning methods can be used, including beetles and maceration, to create a European mount and no doubt one will help you create your very own professional looking display. For more detailed information on each of these methods visit our blog post!

Animal skull and bone cleaning is a process that taxidermists have refined. Learn more about the tools that they use in the cleaning process, including the use of dermestid beetles.

03/11/2022

For centuries, man has been displaying animal skulls.

▪️They honor a dead animal that was hunted or trapped.
▪️They symbolize wisdom.
▪️They represent transformation.
▪️They can be a cultural symbol.
▪️They are a great source of information about the animal.
▪️They might be used in a classroom as a teaching tool.
▪️They just look cool hanging on a wall or sitting on a shelf.

Regardless of the reason, skulls should be properly prepared and cleaned before displaying in any fashion. This shows the proper respect for the animal to which it belonged, and will also ensure that the skull remains in pristine condition for years to come. If not properly cleaned, the skull can become brittle, cracked, discolored, and broken.

Whether you legally hunt or trap the animal yourself, you find a skull while out hiking, or as roadkill, follow our five-step process to clean an animal skull.

Full details to walk you through the process step-by-step are located on our blog page 👇

Skulls honor a dead animal that was hunted or trapped. They symbolize wisdom. They represent transformation. They can be a cultural symbol. They are a great source of information about the animal. They might be used in a classroom as a teaching tool. They just look cool hanging on a wall or sitting....