Dermestid beetles?

[grundy53]

Is there anywhere relatively close to purchase them or is easier to get them online? Just curious.

[DUGANDEER]

Online would probably be the way to go. Hastle free!   

[carpsniperg2]

Ebay has some on there that seem pretty fair priced

[sirmissalot]

Ebay has some on there that seem pretty fair priced

 

I've bought from ebay before and been happy with them.

[KillBilly]

Here is where I bought My beetles. I found that I got a larger quantity for less money from this place. Even though it's in alaska, he ships then quickly and they arrive in good shape.

http://www.bonesandbugs.com/

[inchtowntracking]

Here is where I bought My beetles. I found that I got a larger quantity for less money from this place. Even though it's in alaska, he ships then quickly and they arrive in good shape.

http://www.bonesandbugs.com/

This is supposed to be the go to guy. Hear a lot of people that are very happy with his beetles.

[KillBilly]

The bonesand bugs site has all the info you need to care for them.
Substrate:
Add an inch of shredded paper or commercial mammal bedding (available at pet stores) to the floor of the container.  (Do not use any cedar based product, such as wood shavings, as cedar is a natural insecticide!)  Many folks use cotton wadding from an old mattress, as this makes an ideal substrate for the beetles to live in.  Don’t be concerned if this seems like Spartan conditions; the beetles don’t need a great deal to be happy.  Add numerous fist sized chunks of styrofoam, as this is the material the larvae will burrow into to grow and pupate into beetles.  Keep adding styrofoam as the beetles reduce it to shreds! The beetles will create "frass", a powdery combination of their waste product and chewed up styrofoam. When the frass becomes deeper than several inches, or begins to become damp or cake, scoop half out, place in a shallow pan and place some meat on one side of the pan to lure out the beetles and larvae. Replace the beetles and pitch the excess frass.
I posted this because I found the commercial mammal bedding to be the easiest to deal with. Shredded paper will work but it likes to stick to the skulls and bones more than the substrate.

I have a 30 gallon tank I was using if you want it Josh... let me know.

[grundy53]

The bonesand bugs site has all the info you need to care for them.
Substrate:
Add an inch of shredded paper or commercial mammal bedding (available at pet stores) to the floor of the container.  (Do not use any cedar based product, such as wood shavings, as cedar is a natural insecticide!)  Many folks use cotton wadding from an old mattress, as this makes an ideal substrate for the beetles to live in.  Don’t be concerned if this seems like Spartan conditions; the beetles don’t need a great deal to be happy.  Add numerous fist sized chunks of styrofoam, as this is the material the larvae will burrow into to grow and pupate into beetles.  Keep adding styrofoam as the beetles reduce it to shreds! The beetles will create "frass", a powdery combination of their waste product and chewed up styrofoam. When the frass becomes deeper than several inches, or begins to become damp or cake, scoop half out, place in a shallow pan and place some meat on one side of the pan to lure out the beetles and larvae. Replace the beetles and pitch the excess frass.
I posted this because I found the commercial mammal bedding to be the easiest to deal with. Shredded paper will work but it likes to stick to the skulls and bones more than the substrate.

I have a 30 gallon tank I was using if you want it Josh... let me know.

Thank you so much for the offer and advise. I really appreciate it. How bad is the smell? Could I keep Them in a garage or is it better to keep them in a back shed? Thanks again!

[boneaddict]

They STINK!

[boneaddict]

I got mine from Alaska too.

[carpsniperg2]

They STINK!

  A LOT!!!!

[turkey slayer]

Yep they smell

[Ridgeratt]

Find someone who has them go visit and then make your choice!! Thats why I hire my euro's out!!   

[turkey slayer]

How many are you looking for I be able to help

[KillBilly]

The beetles themselves don't smell. It will be the rotting meat/flesh, brains, etc, that smell. If ya got a weak stomach you might not like that process. Even Maceration will smell.

[grundy53]

How many are you looking for I be able to help

More or less looking for next year. Already boiled my deer and elk. Thank you for the offer. That's really nice of you. 

[grundy53]

The beetles themselves don't smell. It will be the rotting meat/flesh, brains, etc, that smell. If ya got a weak stomach you might not like that process. Even Maceration will smell.

I'm not worried about the smell for myself. I don't have a week stomach and smells don't bother me (most of the nerves in my nose are gone) .  but I am married  and am just wondering if If I could do it in a garage where she will frequant or if a back shed would be better.

[BOWHUNTER45]

there are other methods that do not stink ....but beetles definately do a nicer job !!

[boneaddict]

I started with them behind the garage and ended up moving them out to an abandoned bird pen DOWNWIND. 

[Hunter Dug]

I have mine in the garage.  They smell, If you go the garage route you may have to buy some new door jam seals on the door entrance to the residence so the smell dont seep into the house.  I currently have about 20 to 30 thousand bugs which will clean a deer skull in about 3 to 4 days.  So if you plan on just getting them to do you own skulls I would get them about (3 to 5 hundred) in like May so that they can reproduce into a nice colony by the time you need them.  PM me I have plenty if you need some no cost.  With that being said, I myself think Maceration is by far less work, and a hole lot easier.