If the mealworms in your farm are dying in large numbers, it can be alarming. But I can assure you that there are steps you can take to avoid this. I will explain the causes, the solutions and how to dispose of dead mealworms. There are also preventive measures that you can take to keep them alive.
Lack of nutrition, not enough moisture and overcrowding are the most common reasons why mealworms die. Extreme temperature, diseases and infestations are other possible causes.
Top Causes of Mealworm Death
While mealworms can be resilient, there are several factors that can lead to their demise. There are a lot of reasons why this can happen, so I will explain the most common reasons why.
Inadequate nutrition: Mealworms require a balanced diet to thrive. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition and death. It is true that mealworms are not picky eaters. But if you want them to be healthy and reproduce in large numbers, they need a diet consisting of grains, fruits and vegetables. Lack of nutrition will weaken mealworms and can be fatal over time.
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Moisture imbalance: Mealworms have a relatively low tolerance for moisture. If their environment becomes too damp, it can lead to fungal infections or in extreme cases, drowning. But if their habitat is too dry, they may struggle to molt properly or suffer from dehydration. This is why proper moisture balance is important.
Temperature extremes: Mealworms prefer a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C). If it falls outside this range, either too hot or too cold, it can negatively impact their metabolism. Very hot or cold weather also affects their growth, appetite and vitality. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperature will lead to stress, impair immune function and death.
Poor housing conditions: Insufficient space, overcrowding, poor ventilation or unsanitary conditions can all contribute to stress and the spread of diseases. If mealworms are not given suitable living conditions, it will cause their health to deteriorate.
If you plan to breed mealworms, make sure they have a sufficient container. This is going to make a huge difference in terms of their survival rate. The rule of thumb is 5 gallons per 1000 mealworms, but a bigger one won’t hurt.
Lack of darkness: All mealworms are largely nocturnal and prefer dark or dimly lit environments. If exposed to constant light, mealworms will burrow and attempt to hide. I suggest placing their container in a dimly lit place to keep them comfortable. If the container is outdoors, set it under shade.
Predation and parasitism: Mealworms are a food source for many animals including birds, reptiles and small mammals. They are also vulnerable to parasitic organisms like mites. Unsanitary conditions can make them prone to parasites, mold and bacterial infection. Thy can also be vulnerable to predators if the farm is not well-secured.
How Long Do Mealworms Live?
Healthy mealworms can live for 3-4 months. But there are a lot of factors that affect their lifespan. A lot of it depends on their environment, food source and how well protected they are.
The lifespan also depends on whether we are talking about only mealworms or if we include their complete life cycle. If we include their life as adult beetles, the lifespan will be longer.
Factors Affecting Mealworm Lifespan
When talking about mealworms, I am referring here to the larval stage. Once this stage is complete, mealworms go through pupation and turn into beetles. For purposes of farming, we focus on the larval stage only and what affects their lifespan.
Climate. Temperature plays a crucial role in the lifespan of mealworms. The ideal range is 75-85°F (24-29°C), and a few degrees higher or lower is fine. Some mealworms grow faster in high temperature, but this can also shorten their overall lifespan.
Nutrition. Wild mealworms feed mostly on decaying organic matter, but those raised in farms should be fed grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not feed them spoiled food especially if you are going to use mealworm to feed animals. Use wheat bran or oats for the substrate as mealworms eat those too.
Humidity. Keep the humidity in mealworm farms at 50-70%. If humidity is too low, their eggs will dry out. and mealworms could get dehydrated. If humidity is too high, mold will grow. Both situations should be avoided to keep your mealworms healthy.
Related. Do Mealworms Need Water?
Age. Generally, younger larvae have a longer lifespan compared to older ones nearing their pupa stage. No matter how well you care for mealworms, at some point it is going to enter the pupa stage. You can harvest the mealworms before this happens or you can let the pupa stage continue if you are breeding beetles.
Mealworms can live for months in optimal conditions. Temperature, humidity, food availability, the age of the larvae and overall care are the determining factors. By providing a suitable environment and a balanced diet, you can ensure their healthy development and a longer lifespan.
What to Do with Dead Mealworms
Mealworms can die before they reach the pupa stage for many reasons. Disease, overcrowding, pests, etc. Dead mealworms decay quickly and can spread diseases, so they have to be disposed of as soon as possible.
It’s a good idea to check your mealworms regularly. If you notice some are not moving or look sick, remove them from the container. Separate the sick/dead ones from the healthy mealworms as soon as possible.
Proper Disposal
If some of your mealworms died and their bodies are intact, put them in a garbage bin. Place the bodies in a plastic bag. Tie the bag securely to prevent any unpleasant odors from coming out.
I also suggest that you check local laws for proper disposal. If you have a large farm, keep several thrash bags handy just in case.
Aside from the garbage bin, there are other ways to dispose of dead mealworms. Here are your options.
Composting
If you have a composting system at home, you can put the dead mealworms in the pile. Adding them to your compost will aid in the decomposition process and enrich the compost. Keep your compost bin secure though to avoid attracting pests.
Feeder insects
You can also give dead mealworms to reptiles, birds, amphibians and other animals. But make sure these mealworms have not decayed, because it would put the animals eating them at risk.
If the mealworms died of poisoning or exposure to harmful chemicals, do not give it to animals. Just put them in a garbage bag for disposal.
Donation
If you are a student, scientist, or work in an educational or research setting, dead mealworms may be useful for study purposes. I know that there are scientists who use dead mealworms for anatomical or physiological research. Dead mealworms can also be used in dissections and the study insect behavior and life cycles.
There might also be people or groups in your area interested in deceased mealworms for various reasons. This could be artwork, educational displays etc. If you believe dead mealworms could be of interest to others, contact your local schools, museums or wildlife center.
Remember, proper handling and hygiene are crucial when dealing with dead mealworms or any other dead animals. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them and follow any local regulations regarding waste disposal.
Conclusion
Mealworms are resilient and can thrive in difficult conditions. But they will perish if the habitat is too dry, too moist or there is not enough food and water. One common mistake I see is not feeding mealworms the proper food because they can eat anything. That may be true, but lack of nutrition will shorten their lifespan and make them prone to disease. Maintaining your mealworm farm is key to their success and yours
