Busy Beetle Skull Cleaning

Taxidermist in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania

(724) 912-93216205 Route 819, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666View on Yelp

About Busy Beetle Skull Cleaning

Busy Beetle Skull Cleaning in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania brings a specialized focus to one of the most in-demand services in modern taxidermy. The name says it all. Located in Westmoreland County, the studio uses dermestid beetles to clean skulls down to bare bone, producing results that are cleaner and better preserved than boiling or chemical methods. Mount Pleasant sits in solid deer and turkey country, giving the business a steady local customer base. Reach them at (724) 912-9321 to ask about current wait times and pricing.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Dermestid beetle cleaning is the core service here, and it's the gold standard for producing European skull mounts with intact nasal bones and undamaged teeth. The process involves placing the skull in a controlled colony of beetles that strip away all soft tissue over a period of days. After cleaning, skulls are typically whitened using hydrogen peroxide, not bleach, which preserves bone integrity. Beyond deer, this method works well on bear, coyote, turkey, and even smaller mammals, making it a versatile option for hunters with a variety of trophies.

Service Area

Busy Beetle Skull Cleaning serves hunters in Mount Pleasant and throughout Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Customers from nearby towns like Connellsville, Latrobe, and Greensburg are all within a short drive, making it a convenient stop for anyone coming back from a hunt in the Laurel Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dermestid beetle skull cleaning?
Dermestid beetles are small scavenger insects that feed on soft tissue, leaving bone completely clean and undamaged. It's a natural process that preserves fine bone detail far better than boiling or chemical treatments.
How long does the beetle cleaning process take?
A deer skull typically takes one to three weeks depending on colony size and specimen condition. Larger skulls like bear or elk take longer, so ask for a specific estimate when you drop off.
Do you use bleach to whiten skulls?
Reputable skull cleaners use hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach because bleach breaks down bone over time and causes it to become brittle. Peroxide whitens safely and keeps the skull strong for long-term display.
Can you clean skulls from animals I found in the field?
Found skulls can be cleaned, but they may require extra preparation depending on how decomposed they are. It's worth calling ahead to describe the condition before making the trip.
Do I need to remove the antlers before bringing in my deer?
Most skull cleaning studios prefer you bring the head in intact. They'll handle antler removal if needed and reattach them after the cleaning and whitening process is complete.
Can smaller animals like fox or coyote be cleaned using beetles?
Yes, dermestid colonies work on any size specimen and are especially good for smaller skulls where boiling would damage delicate bones. Fox, coyote, raccoon, and turkey skulls are all common requests.

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