Disposing of mealworm frass or waste is something mealworm farm owners are too familiar with. But have you ever wondered how much of this frass mealworms produce every day? While it might seem like an unsavory topic, mealworm waste has a lot of uses.
A typical mealworm larva produces 70-80 mg of frass per day. How much a mealworm farm generates daily also depends on the number of mealworms in contains.
Mealworm Frass Production
Frass refers to the excreta or feces produced by insects. Since mealworms can eat almost anything, it should come as no surprise they produce a bit of frass.
70-80 mg doesn’t sound like a lot, but that is just one mealworm. If one container has 10000 mealworms, that becomes 70000 mg a day. Now imagine if you have several mealworm farms.
That’s only the average of course. It also depends on how well fed the mealworms are. If they eat a lot, they will release more frass.
Commercial mealworm farms have hundreds or thousands of containers, so imagine how much frass is generated there. Those however, have automated mealworm systems that simplify maintenance. But even if you don’t have those, it is easy to manage mealworm frass.
And as you will see, mealworm frass is not a problem. In fact there are a lot of uses for their excreta. So even if your mealworm farm generates a lot of frass, you can put them to good use.
Uses of Mealworm Frass
You can collect and repurpose mealworm frass in various ways. Here are some of the common uses of mealworm frass:
Organic Fertilizer
One of the main uses of mealworm frass is as an organic fertilizer and soil amendment. This frass is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients, making it an excellent natural fertilizer for plants.
When added to the soil, it improves its structure, and promotes plant growth. Mealworm frass also improves soil quality. If you have plants, you can save yourself money by using frass as fertilizer instead of buying them. You won’t lose anything and your plants will actually benefit.
Plant Growth Promoter
The high nutrient content of mealworm frass stimulates plant growth and development. It provides a slow-release source of nutrients to plants which is essential for their health.
Frass also contains beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil microbial activity. The plants will absorb these nutrients through their roots and enhance their immune system.
Pest Control
Mealworm frass contains chitin, a substance found in insect exoskeletons. Studies have shown that chitin can help repel pests including aphids, mites, and nematodes.
When applied around plants or mixed with soil, it creates an unfavorable environment for these pests, reducing the risk of infestation. This is a safer pest deterrent than pesticides that could harm your mealworm beetles.
Composting Accelerant
Mealworm frass is an effective accelerator for composting processes. Its high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio helps balance the compost mixture, helps in decomposition and speeds up breakdown of organic matter.
Adding mealworm frass to compost piles also enhances their microbial activity. It also increases decomposition rates and produces nutrient-rich compost.
Animal Feed Supplement
Mealworm frass can be used as a nutritional supplement in animal feed. Its high protein content makes it a valuable ingredient in feed for poultry, fish, and reptiles. The frass also contains essential amino acids and other nutrients.
If you are going to use frass or mealworms as animal feed, I think it’s a good idea to let some of them grow into beetles and lay eggs. For more about caring and feeding mealworm beetles, don’t forget to check this post.
Soil Remediation
Mealworm frass can also be used to remediate contaminated soils. Toxic compounds such as heavy metals can be absorbed by mealworms during their feeding stage and deposited in their frass.
By collecting and applying the frass to contaminated soils, it might reduce pollutant concentration levels over time. There’s still research being done here but it has potential.
Alternative Energy Source
Frass can also be an alternative energy source. Frass contains undigested fibers and other organic compounds that can be converted into biogas. This biogas can then be used as a sustainable energy source.
These are just some of the many uses for mealworm frass. I probably missed out on something but you get the picture. Frass might be disgusting, but if you can get past that you’ll see how useful it can be.
How to Use Mealworm Frass as Fertilizer
Using mealworm frass as fertilizer is a great way to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this.
1. Collect and store frass: If you have a mealworm breeding farm, you can collect frass from the bottom of the container. Sift through the worms or move them to a temporary container.
Or you can purchase frass from local pet stores or online retailers. Store the frass in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture.
2. Make frass tea: Frass tea is a liquid form of mealworm frass you can use as fertilizer. To make this tea, combine one part frass with ten parts water in a container. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it steep for a few days. Steep occasionally.
You can use frass tea in different ways.
Liquid fertilizer: Strain the frass tea to remove any solid particles. If you like, you can dilute it more by adding one part frass tea to ten parts water. This ensures plants receive the proper amount of nutrients without overwhelming them.
Use this liquid fertilizer to water your plants at their roots or spray it onto the foliage. Apply once every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Solid fertilizer: You can also apply frass directly. Sprinkle a handful of mealworm frass around the base of the plants. it should cover an area about twice the size of the plant’s canopy.
Gently work the frass into the soil using a rake or hand tool. Make sure it is evenly distributed. Apply a thin layer of compost or mulch over the frass to protect it from direct sunlight. This method is particularly effective for container plants or potted herbs and vegetables.
The amount of mealworm frass to use depends on the plant’s size. As a general rule, for potted plants or small garden beds, I use about 1-2 tablespoons of frass per plant every 3-4 weeks. For larger gardens or crops such as tomatoes or peppers, I use 1 cup per plant.
Evaluation
As with any organic fertilizer, it’s important to monitor your plants. Check for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Adjust the frequency or amount of frass application accordingly.
If plants show signs of burn or stress, dilute the frass or reduce the quantity used. If plants lack vigor or exhibit nutrient deficiencies, increase the frass used gradually.
How to Store Mealworm Frass
Storing mealworm frass properly is key to preserving its quality. Here are some tips on how to store mealworm frass.
- Mealworm frass should be thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mold growth. Spread it out on a drying rack or tray in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct sunlight as it can degrade the nutrients. Stir or turn the frass regularly to ensure even drying. It usually takes a few days to a week for the frass to dry completely.
- Storage containers. Choose an airtight container for storing dried mealworm frass. Mason jars, plastic storage bins, or resealable bags work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use.
- Label the storage container with the date of drying and any other relevant information. This will help you monitor the frass’s shelf life and ensure you use the oldest frass first.
Preservation
Store the frass in a cool and dark place to maintain its quality. A pantry, garage, or basement can be suitable locations. Avoid heat and light as much as possible.
Moisture can cause clumping and mold growth in mealworm frass. To prevent this, make sure the storage container is airtight and kept away from any sources of moisture. Do not place frass in damp areas.
Regularly check for moisture or mold. Even when properly dried and stored, mealworm frass can still be susceptible to moisture or mold growth. I always look for any signs of clumping, foul odors, or mold. If any issues arise, transfer the frass to a new container.
Conclusion
By following these tips for storing mealworm frass, you can preserve its quality, nutrients, and effectiveness as an organic fertilizer. You can then use this resource to enhance your plants’ growth and contribute to sustainable gardening practices.
