Rackaddict
Life Member
Kelcher, I checked into getting some of the Dermested Beetles last year and the only place I was able to even find someone who knew what I wanted and offered to get some for me was at the University here in Springfield. I know that doesn't help you in Iowa but if you have a University near you somewhere you might see if they can get you some. I never did get any but I might try it in the future. I guess they really clean up a skull in a hurry.
Old Buck
Life Member
We used to use dermestids to clean skulls and skeletons for mammology class. They do a good job.
It is the larva of a beetle that does the work. The insect is not uncommon. If you have ever had a dried hide or bird skin that showed damage after time it was probably dermestids. They leave holes a little smaller that a pencil lead. There will be fine dust and the abandon larva cases. The feathers or hair will fall off as they eat the skin. I've had them get in my turkey beards and dried turkey legs.
I've also seen them in boxes of cereal or other dried grain foods that have been around for a long time. Pretty gross if you are half way through the bowl of cereal before you see the floating larva cases!
If you do find some I'd try to keep them away from any mounts or rugs that might not have adequate chemical protection. They can also do a lot of damage on skins you don't want eaten.
I haven't seen an adult for many years but as I recall they are about a half inch long beetle with a dull brown body with a dark band across the middle. The easiest way to get them is to find the larva in the process of consuming dried organic matter. Hope this helps.
It is the larva of a beetle that does the work. The insect is not uncommon. If you have ever had a dried hide or bird skin that showed damage after time it was probably dermestids. They leave holes a little smaller that a pencil lead. There will be fine dust and the abandon larva cases. The feathers or hair will fall off as they eat the skin. I've had them get in my turkey beards and dried turkey legs.
I've also seen them in boxes of cereal or other dried grain foods that have been around for a long time. Pretty gross if you are half way through the bowl of cereal before you see the floating larva cases!
If you do find some I'd try to keep them away from any mounts or rugs that might not have adequate chemical protection. They can also do a lot of damage on skins you don't want eaten.
I haven't seen an adult for many years but as I recall they are about a half inch long beetle with a dull brown body with a dark band across the middle. The easiest way to get them is to find the larva in the process of consuming dried organic matter. Hope this helps.
teeroy
Life Member
just go to the hardware store, and get some 1/4" hardware cloth (its like heavy guage screen) make a box and put deer head insinde. rodents can't get in, but all the bugs can. hand it in a tree and wait. nature will clean it for you. the more hide you can get off yourself, the quicker it will go.
my uncle places the heads in a five gallon bucket filled with saltwater and keeps it full. when the hide starts to decay, he lets the water evaporate, and as the water level goes down, the bugs pick it clean
my uncle places the heads in a five gallon bucket filled with saltwater and keeps it full. when the hide starts to decay, he lets the water evaporate, and as the water level goes down, the bugs pick it clean
Shedhuntermd
PMA Member
I know you said you dont want to boil it, but let me tell you how I do it. All you need is propane tank and a hook up for a burner and shallow pot or small turkey pot. Skin out the head break off the jaw and boil for about two hours, then pressure wash it it will cost a few dollars at the do it your self car wash. You might not want people to see you doing this
![icon_redface[1].gif](http://www.iowawhitetail.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon_redface[1].gif)
it can get messy, you may want to wear a rain jacket. Then pour and brush bleach and peroxcide on to the skull do not get any on the antlers. 1 hour of work and 2 hours of boiling for an awsome white skull that will last a life time. If the nose pieces come out just super glue them back in place. Hope this helps I think you can get a skull whiter this way than with bugs. The skull in my picture is one I found that day dead and you can see it turned out good. If you let it rot outside it will still smell and take a long time and there is a good chance somthing will get it or chew on the antlers , or the skin will dry into leather and never come off.
kelcher
Well-Known Member
Rackaddict,
If you want beetles I can send you a website that sells them, but I think he wants $50. I would liek to have some, but I don't have anywhere to keep them. I don't really want my yard smelling up. There are a few places online that you can send your skull to, I just thought if someone knew of a place in Iowa I would support someone more local.
If you want beetles I can send you a website that sells them, but I think he wants $50. I would liek to have some, but I don't have anywhere to keep them. I don't really want my yard smelling up. There are a few places online that you can send your skull to, I just thought if someone knew of a place in Iowa I would support someone more local.
scout
New Member
kelcher, send it to Skulls Unlimited. They are not cheap. If you want cheap you can boil it or let it decay as the local bugs wander through it. skulltaxidermy.com is also good.
Shedhuntermd
PMA Member
Here is a site thanks to Scout http://skulltaxidermy.com/kits.html