Hello,
I have a few questions regarding beetles. I thought I knew all about 
Dermestids.  A mentor of mine use to call me the "Dermestid Queen"  (yuck!). 
I have found dermestid casings and actually a few live dermestids in our 
collections.  I had believed them to be carpet beetle larva, as they love 
the wool and leather from our collection. This morning while coming in the 
front door I noticed a sticky spot on the window from an old sticker.  There 
are at least 6 small  beetles (just over 1/16" long) stuck to the spot.  I 
searched google and believe I have found that they are warehouse beetles, 
and from the same family as the carpet beetle.
My questions:
1. Info I found on warehouse beetles is that they have evolved to eat grains 
and flours and you might find them in your pantry.  Does that mean that they 
no longer eat organic materials a museum might have in their collections?

2. Could I potentionally have warehouse beetles in my collections, verses 
the carpet beetle larva that I thought I had?

if that is the case A) Is the freezing method still okay (deep freeze, short 
thaw, deep freeze cycle)? And B) What is the best way to get rid of these 
pests with out chemicals?

Any thoughts, recommendations or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you in 
advance for all who respond.

Oh and for others out there who understand my plight...Yesterday I spend my 
work day cleaning canteens from the civil war to WWII, the dermestid casings 
I cleaned off of most of these canteens found their way into my dreams. Last 
night I had a nightmare that a gigantic (almost Godzilla size) dermestid 
larva had found me and my Nilfisk Vacuum.....talk about bringing your work 
home with you!

Marielle

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Marielle Fortier
Museum Registrar
Vermont
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