Dermestid beetles are serious pests of museum collections in tropical countries. They infest dry preserved specimens of mammals, birds, insects, ethnographic materials containing hair, fur, feathers, and animal skin, as well as woollen textiles and carpets. Several species of dermestid beetles belonging to the genera <i>Anthrenus, Attagenus, Dermestes,</i>and <i>Trogoderma</i> are reported as pests in museums. A brief review of the different species recorded as museum pests is made. A survey of biodeterioration of museum collections in India shows that the furniture-carpet beetle, <i>Anthrenus flavipes</i> Le Conte, the hide beetle, <i>Dermestes vulpinus</i> Fabricius, the carpet beetle, <i>Attagenus gloriosae</i> Fabricius are predominant. The characteristic damage caused by these insects and their food preferences are discussed. Use of a repellent mixture containing paradichlorobenzene, benzene, and creosote, and fumigation with carbon disulphide, ethylene dichloride, carbon tetrachloride, or methyl bromide were found to be the best methods for prevention and control of these dermestids. Contact insecticides like DDT, BHC, pyrethrum, and malathion were found more effective in spray solutions or emulsions containing organic solvents.