Beetle Pro Superior Skull Cleaning

Taxidermist in New Castle, Pennsylvania

(724) 368-00044941 US-422, New Castle, PA 16101View on Yelp

About Beetle Pro Superior Skull Cleaning

Beetle Pro Superior Skull Cleaning in New Castle, Pennsylvania takes a specialized approach that sets it apart from general taxidermy studios in Lawrence County. Instead of a broad menu of services, this business focuses on using dermestid beetles, the same method museums and scientific institutions use to clean skulls to a bright, museum-quality finish. New Castle sits between Pittsburgh and Youngstown, giving this studio a solid base of customers from both urban and rural hunting communities. Collectors, hunters, and educators all find value in a clean skull done right.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Dermestid beetle colonies do the heavy work here, consuming soft tissue from skulls while leaving bone structure completely intact, which is something chemical methods can't always guarantee. Whitetail deer, bear, coyote, turkey, and other game skulls can be processed to a display-ready state. Antlers remain attached and undamaged through the process, making this a popular alternative to European-style boiling. Some studios also offer whitening treatments after cleaning for customers who want a brighter display piece.

Service Area

Beetle Pro serves customers throughout Lawrence County and the greater New Castle area, with easy access from Mercer, Beaver, and Butler counties as well. Hunters from the Pittsburgh metro who want specialty skull work without a long drive find New Castle a convenient stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do dermestid beetles do to a skull?
Dermestid beetles are a species of carpet beetle whose larvae feed on dried organic matter, including the tissue on an animal skull. They work their way into every crevice and cavity, leaving the bone completely clean without the damage that boiling or chemicals can cause. Museums have used this method for well over a century to prepare skeletal specimens.
How long does beetle skull cleaning take?
A whitetail deer skull typically takes one to three weeks depending on how much soft tissue is present and the size of the beetle colony working on it. Larger skulls like bear or elk take longer, while smaller coyote or fox skulls can be done faster. Removing as much meat as possible before drop-off helps speed the process along.
Is beetle cleaning better than boiling for a European mount?
Most professionals and collectors consider beetle cleaning superior because it doesn't weaken or discolor the bone the way prolonged boiling can. Boiling can also cause teeth to loosen and small bones to shift, while beetles work at their own pace without mechanical stress on the skull. For a display-quality result, beetle cleaning is generally the preferred choice.
Can you whiten the skull after cleaning?
Yes, whitening with hydrogen peroxide or a similar agent is a common finishing step after the beetles have done their work. It brightens the bone without painting it, keeping a natural look while improving the visual appeal for wall display. The concentration and duration of the whitening treatment affects how bright the final result is, so it's worth discussing your preference.
What animals can be processed with dermestid beetles?
Deer, bear, coyote, fox, turkey, raccoon, and most other game species are good candidates for beetle cleaning. Very small skulls like squirrel or bird require careful handling but are still possible. Heavily decomposed specimens or those with significant freezer burn may affect results, so asking the studio to assess your skull before committing is a good idea.
Do I need to do anything special before dropping off a skull?
Removing as much meat and fat as you can before drop-off is helpful and can reduce your processing time and sometimes your cost. The skull should be kept cool or frozen until you bring it in, but avoid soaking it in water since that can attract mold before the beetles start working. The studio will walk you through any specific prep steps when you call ahead.

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