ORIGINAL: Drew307

Hey Leland,

I have a skull cleaning business in Northern Michiganand have been employing dermestids for a couple years now. Contrary to what some people say dermestids don't smell as bad as you think. The beetles produce frass which is their left over larvae casings, excrement, andbedding waste. It looks like saw dust and some say itsmellsmusty like sweat (I personally don't mind the smell).That is the only smell that should be identifiable when cleaning prepared skulls. To properly prepare a skull you must remove all of the skin, eyes, brain, and as much meat as possible. This is where alot of people get lazy and don't remove everything they should. Brainssitting in 80 degree heat doesn't take long to funk up. If you can take care of a gold fish you can handle dermestids. If you are really serious about getting a colony started Ianswerany questions you have!Just email me, good luck! DREW