These days you can easily buy mealworms in pet supply stores. You can even get a mealworm farm starter kit. But where are mealworms naturally found? This isn’t just about natural curiosity on our part. Knowing their natural habitat can help you manage a mealworm better.
Mealworms can be found almost anywhere there is leftover food. In nature they are found under rocks, soil and dark, moist areas, and they can also be seen in grain containers, warehouses and barns.
Mealworms in Nature
Mealworms are naturally found in various parts of the world, ranging from temperate regions to tropical zones. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa but have since been introduced to other continents as well.
You can see these small, brownish-black beetle larvae in all kinds of habitats and environments, indicating their adaptability and resilience.
Mealworms prefer to be in damp and dark places where they can thrive in decomposing organic matter. I have seen them in forest floors, leaf litter, and under logs or rocks. It’s unpleasant for us, but these locations provide the ideal conditions for mealworms to feed on decaying plant materials, detritus and dead insects.
Mealworms in Man-Made Locations
Mealworms have also been successful in exploiting various human-made environments such as barns, warehouses, and grain stores. This is no surprise since they usually find an abundant source of food, mainly grains and other stored cereals.
Because of this, mealworms are often considered pests because they can damage stored crops. Keep this in mind if you want to start a mealworm farm.
If you have crops, keep your mealworm farm as far as possible. This really should not be a problem if you use a tall container though.
In the Kitchen
For most people, the idea of eating mealworms is well, disgusting. But there’s this thing called entomophagy, which is the practice of consuming insects as food.
Today, mealworms are commercially cultivated for human and animal consumption. These farming operations can be found in various countries around the world including the US.
What some may not knoow is that science has proven that mealworms are edible for humans and animals and are nutritioous. LNK So if you want to try something new and healthy, mealworms are a good choice.
Research Centers and Labs
Malworms are often used in scientific research and educational settings. They are easy to maintain, study, and observe due to their adaptability and non-aggressive nature. Researchers and educators can find mealworms in laboratories, classrooms, and even in home-based projects.
Bottom line is that you can find mealworms in a wide range of natural and human-made habitats. Their ability to adapt and survive in diverse conditions has made them one of the most well-known and accessible insect species across the globe. Whether for research, food production, or as unwanted pests, mealworms have managed to carve out a place in various ecosystems and human societies.
How Mealworms Sense the Environment
Regardless where mealworms are found, they are very capable of sensing their habitats and taking advantage of it. Despite their relatively simple anatomy, mealworms have developed various sensory mechanisms to respond to different stimuli in their surroundings.
One of the primary senses that mealworms rely on is touch. Their entire body is covered in sensitive hairs, known as setae, which play a crucial role in detecting vibrations and physical contact.
These setae are located on the mealworm’s segmented body, aiding in sensing movements of objects or other organisms nearby. When disturbed, mealworms can rapidly react by curling up or performing quick escape movements, demonstrating their sensitivity to tactile stimuli.
Related. When Mealworms are Most Active
Chemoreception
Another sensor mealworms use is chemoreception, which allows them to detect and respond to chemical signals in their environment. Mealworms have several sensory organs called chemoreceptors, mostly located on their antennae, mouthparts, and feet.
These chemoreceptors help them discern between harmful and safe substances and locate potential food sources. They use this ability to navigate their surroundings, locate mates, and identify a suitable habitat for survival.
Photoreception
Mealworms also exhibit photoreception, albeit to a limited extent. They have simple eyes, known as ocelli, which are unable to form detailed images. The primary purpose of these eyes is to detect light and differentiate between light and darkness in their environment.
This visual perception helps mealworms determine their preferred environment concerning light intensity and help them avoid direct exposure to intense light sources, which can be detrimental to their survival.
Auditory Sensors
Despite their lack of sophisticated hearing organs, mealworms possess a level of auditory perception. They can detect vibrations within their environment, particularly low-frequency sounds, through their sensory hairs and body segments. This ability allows them to identify potential threats or locate potential mates and companions.
Thermoreceptors
Mealworms can detect temperature variations through specialized thermoceptors situated on their bodies. These thermoceptors relay information about the ambient temperature to the mealworm, helping it adjust its behavior or seek appropriate shelter to maintain homeostasis.
Mealworms have evolved various sensory mechanisms to interpret their environment effectively. These include touch, chemoreception, limited vision, auditory perception, and temperature sensing.
These capabilities allow mealworms to navigate their surroundings, find food and mates, and avoid potential dangers in their environment, contributing to their survival and adaptability.
Why are There Mealworms in My House?
At some point, you may have noticed small, brown cylindrical creatures scurrying around your kitchen or pantry. These tiny intruders are mealworms, often mistaken for worms but actually the larvae of darkling beetles.
The presence of mealworms in your house can be unsettling, prompting questions about how they entered and how to be rid of them. This article aims to shed light on why mealworms may infest your home and how to address the issue effectively.
Attraction to Food Sources
Mealworms are highly attracted to food, particularly grains, flours, cereals, pet food, and any other organic materials present in your pantry. They can chew through packaging, allowing easy access to the contents inside. By following their keen sense of smell, mealworms easily locate these food sources and establish nests nearby, propagating the infestation.
Accidental Introduction
Mealworms are adept hitchhikers and can unintentionally enter your home. They may arrive through infested grocery items, outdoor storage, pet bedding, or even underused kitchen appliances. Infestations can also arise if you have previously used mealworms as live feed for pets or in gardening projects.
Warm and Humid Environment
Mealworms thrive in warm and humid environments, making your home an ideal habitat for them to reproduce and grow. They prefer temperatures between 80-90°F (26-32°C). If your house offers optimal conditions, mealworms will be more prone to infestations.
Poor food storage and unsanitary situations will attract not just mealworms but other pests. Spilled food, crumbs, or improperly sealed containers provide easy access and ample sustenance for these pests.
How to Remove Mealworms
Now that you know the reasons behind mealworm infestations, here are some effective steps to eliminate mealworms from your home:
Identify and remove the source. Survey your pantry and identify any infested food items. Dispose of them in sealed bags, preventing further contamination. Carefully examine stored pet food, birdseed, and other organic materials that may harbor mealworms.
Deep cleaning. Thoroughly clean your pantry, cabinets, and any affected areas. Use a vacuum to remove hidden larvae, pupae, and eggs. Pay particular attention to cracks, crevices, and shelves. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and vinegar to deter mealworms.
Sanitize and discard. To prevent reinfestation, wash all containers, shelves, and utensils used for storing food. Ensure that containers are tightly sealed, preventing access for mealworms. Dispose of any infested food waste in a sealed container outside your home.
Prevention measures. Take measures to reduce the risk of a future mealworm infestation. Regularly inspect food packaging for signs of damage and discard compromised items. Utilize airtight containers to store dry goods, including pet food. Additionally, consider relocating pet food and birdseed outside of your house.
Seek professional assistance. In persistent cases or large-scale infestations, contacting professional pest control services is highly recommended. They can provide targeted treatments and advice on preventing future mealworm problems.
Mealworm infestations can be bothersome, but with prompt action and preventive measures, you can eradicate these pests from your home and ensure a cleaner, more hygienic environment.
If you want to raise a mealworm farm, you might be tempted to use those you find in the backyard. But I recommend that you buy them as those are bred for farming. As for those mealworms you find in the yard, it is best to find out why and how to prevent it.
