When we think of mealworms, we imagine them burrowing through bedding or crawling about. But is it possible for these things to climb? And if so, what are the risks they can get out of your container?
Mealworms have limited climbing abilities and can crawl out of containers. The best way to prevent this is to use containers with a closed lid. Make sure though there is ventilation for the mealworms however.
Can Mealworms Really Climb Up?
Mealworms have a cylindrical body made up of several segments. They have six short legs which are used for burrowing and crawling on flat surfaces. However, they do have the ability to climb, albeit in a limited way.
Mealworms are able to climb because they have setae, small, hook-like structures on their legs. The setae allows mealworms to grip on a rough surface. Mealworms can latch onto rough surfaces by interlocking on any bumps or irregularities on the surface. The setae function like hooks, gripping fabrics, bark, wood and other surfaces. This provides just enough traction for mealworms to move upwards
Limited Ability
I have to note that mealworms are not natural climbers. Unlike ants or spiders, their climbing abilities are limited since they are primarily ground-based. In contract, ants and spiders have body features specifically for climbing. In contrast, mealworms do not have any specialized limbs for climbing.
Mealworms also lack specialized appendages like adhesive pads or claws found in other insects. In short, a mealworm’s ability to climb is more of an opportunistic behavior rather than a specialized skill. Still, you don’t want them climbing out as they can be difficult to track down. They can get everywhere and yes, mealworms can bite.
In ideal conditions, mealworms may attempt to climb vertical objects if they sense food or seeking a suitable environment for pupation. They might also try to escape if their habitat has too much moisture, extreme temperature, not enough food etc. If mealworms are content with their environment, they won’t try to escape.
If you are putting mealworms in a new container, they might get stressed and try to climb out. This is rare but can happen. The solution is to put 2-3 inches of bedding so they will focus on burrowing than climbing. Also put some fruits or vegetables there to keep the mealworms content.
How to Prevent Mealworms from Climbing Out
Mealworms are used for various purposes such as fishing bait, pet food and a source of protein for humans. If you run a mealworm farm, obviously you don’t want them to escape. Mealworms are harmless, but they can be a nuisance if they get into your house. Here is how I keep them from getting out.
Choose a suitable container: Select a container that is at least 6 inches high. Plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids work well because mealworms will have a hard time chewing through it or climbing out. The lid should always be sealed, but there has to be ventilation.
Proper ventilation: While you need to create a secure environment, you also have to provide adequate ventilation. This is necessary to prevent fungal growth, mold and potential diseases. There are specialized bins for mealworms available so it’s not a problem. Or you can drill holes in any container and use that. Just make sure the holes are not large enough for the mealworms to go through.
Regular cleaning and maintenance: Clean the container regularly and remove any waste, dead mealworms, or uneaten food. Maintaining a clean environment discourages pests and helps prevent outbreaks. A clean habitat with food will keep your mealworms content.
Sufficient moisture: Mealworms require some moisture to thrive, but if it gets too wet or dry, will try to escape. Avoid over-moistening the bedding as it encourages mold growth. Use a moisture meter to maintain humidity. It is fine to mist the bedding with water as long as it doesn’t get too wet.
Reminders
Secure lids and openings: Double-check all lids, vent covers or any openings in the container. Make sure they are secure and tightly sealed. Use rubber bands, clamps, or locking mechanisms to keep the lids in place. Some mealworms might try to push the lid, so they have to be secure. Regularly inspect the container and repair or replace any damaged parts.
Use temporary barriers: If some mealworms are trying to escape, you can place barriers such as petroleum jelly or sticky tape around the top edges of the container. The slippery surface will make it harder for mealworms to climb over. It doesn’t have to be petroleum jelly, it can be any sticky, slippery substance.
Provide sufficient food: Hungry mealworms are the most likely to escape as they will look for food elsewhere. They need a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and grains to stay healthy. A clean environment with plenty of food are enough to keep mealworms happy.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of mealworms escaping your farm. As long as there is regular maintenance, you don’t have to worry about mealworms trying to get out.
What Container Should You Use?
Strictly speaking you can use any container as long as it has a lid and ventilation. But I suggest giving it more thought to keep them content. An ill-fitting container can make it easy for mealworms to escape. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Size
Mealworms require sufficient space to move around and to molt (when they shed their exoskeleton and grow). A container that is too small will restrict their movement and hinder development. I suggest a capacity of at least 10-20 liters or 2-4 gallons, as that is enough for a good number of mealworms.
Material
A plastic or glass container with smooth surfaces and tight-fitting lids is ideal. Smooth surfaces make it difficult for mealworms to climb and escape, while a tight-fitting lid prevents pests and predators from entering. A transparent body like glass or plastic allows you to se waste buildup or leftover food clearly.
Plastic and glass are not your only options. There are also synthetic materials now available too. What is important is that the surface is smooth so the mealworms cannot latch onto it. If you prefer another surface design, make sure the lid is secure so they cannot get out.
Ventilation
Adequate airflow helps prevent buildup of moisture and reduces the risk of mold or bacterial growth. Look for containers with small ventilation holes or add a mesh screen to the lid. You need to strike a balance here between airflow and preventing the mealworms from crawling out.
You should choose a container that is easy to clean. An easily accessible container makes it easy to remove frass and excess food debris. As your mealworm farm grows, the need for accessible containers becomes even more important.
As your mealworms increase, think about getting more containers. Overcrowding can lead to disease, mold growth and competition for food. As your mealworm population grows, move some of them to a new container. I also recommend separate containers for mealworms, pupae and adult beetles.
Conclusion
Deciding what container to buy is not hard as it used to be. These days there are specially designed mealworm containers that you can buy online. Everything you need – accessibility, ventilation, capacity – are built in.
If you want to take the DIY approach, make sure the container has a secure lid. This is the number one priority to prevent them from getting out.
Mealworms can climb yes, and it can be a problem if their container is not properly sealed. But in general, mealworms will stay put in a well-maintained habitat. Regular maintenance is key and of course, a secure container. If you practice these two things, chances of mealworms climbing out will be very low..
