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Water
Dermestid beetles only need a limited water supply. Much of their hydration comes from the food they eat. Keeping the habitat at about 50 percent humidity is ideal according to the Carolina Biological Supply Company. If the habitat becomes too humid mold will form that will not only smell bad but also kill the beetle colony. Mites also become problematic with increased moisture levels. Moistened paper towels placed in the colony's container or a daily misting with a water spray bottle will help keep the humidity at the proper levels.
Size of Animal Parts
The colony of dermestid beetles should be given only animal parts that fit into the habitat that houses the colony. These beetles can and will climb out if their food, such as a skull or leg bone, provides a way to do so. If an animal part is too large then the colony can be moved to a larger container.
Animal Parts Preparation
To help keep the moisture level in the colony's habitat as low as possible the animal parts must be cleaned prior to placing them into the container. This includes removing as much skin and internal organs as possible. Once the parts are ready, they can simply be placed in with the beetles.
Supplemental Feedings
The beetle colony needs a constant source of food, even when not working to clean a specimen. Supplemental foods include dry dog or cat food and raw meat pieces in between animal parts. When feeding raw meat, provide thin slices that are easy for the beetles to eat quickly, to prevent the meat from rotting and increasing the moisture level of the habitat.
Feeding Time
The time it takes the beetles to clean a specimen depends on the size of the specimen. Monitor the colony daily to determine when a change of food is needed. Larger skulls such as deer or cougar can take a couple of weeks, while a small bird skull takes only a day or two.