Dermestid beetle colony questions

[Mudruck]

I think Im ready to take the leap into starting a Dermestid beetle colony. Ive read up on them on the net and such, but I wanted some first hand experiences with them before I go all out. I am mainly looking for a way to process skulls of course, for the most part they will be coyote, rockchuck and small mammal skulls. In the fall though I can see doing up a few deer skulls and possibly even elk. Honestly I can see doing anywhere from 5-10 large skulls over the course of the big game seasons(archery, muzzleloader, rifle).

Here are a few of my main questions...

Ive heard that they smell bad. Just HOW bad do they smell? the laundry room is also in the garage and if I reak it up with critter stank I can already see the Boss with her VETO stamp ready. Would they be ok on the other side of a two car garage, or are the bad enough that the whole area is going to smell?

The area that I would be using for them is a 10x10 corner in my garage, and although it doesnt ever get down to freezing temps in there, it can get fairly cold in the winter. Ive read that the opt. temp for them is between 60-70 degrees. Are they able to withstand colder temps(40s or so) for a little bit?

Containers... Ive read some sites that say glass fishtanks and others say that the large plastic tubs can be used. Have any of you guys used the plastic containers and had and problems with escaping beetles? I would prefer to use plastic as it will be lighter to move around when the need arises.

Thanks a ton,

 

[Pa.Recurve]

Mudruck, I have a great colony of beetles and they are a lot of work! Firstly the best working temp is between 85 and 95 degrees farinheit! You really don't want them in your home or near any mounts you may have. These beetles will travel a good ways to a food source and they multiply in great numbers when fed properly. Plastic tubs work fine but will need changed about every year fore they will eat through them! I have my colony in my barn and my heating cost in the winter is pretty high,however temps of single digits are not uncommon here in Pa. A good web site for more info is Skull Taxidermy .com. If you are interested in buying some beetles I would gladly sell you a starter colony! Good Luck PA RECURVE ps If you have more Quesions post them here and I'll try to help you ! The smell is pretty Bad without proper Ventillation!