Ants are everywhere, and yes they can get to your mealworm farm too. They can be nuisance so it’s important you get rid of them as soon as possible, In this guide I will walk you through the causes of ant infestation and the solutions.
Keep your mealworm farm clean and do not leave food bits lying around the area. Store mealworm food in airtight containers and set up ant traps if necessary.
How to Keep Ants Away from Mealworms
Ants are not naturally drawn to mealworms. But if there are food scraps in and around the bin, ants and other pests will be drawn to it. Food aside, there are other reasons why ants are being lured to your mealworms.
Castings. Mealworm castings or poop can cause the temperature to rise by up to 20 degrees F. This can kill the worms in the bottom of the container which will draw ants. These insects are also attracted to heat. Removing castings regularly can prevent this.
No trace or scent: One of the easiest ways to discourage ants from reaching your mealworms is to store food properly. The lid should be secure (with ventilation of course), and do not leave food scraps outside the container. Ants will smell it and be drawn towards it.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the storage area and the surrounding environment is essential. If ants had been there before, wipe the surfaces with a mild detergent solution. This will eliminate any ant trails or pheromones they may have left behind.
Isolate the food source: If you are feeding the mealworms, place them in a separate dish or container within the storage area. If any ants manage to find their way into the farm, they will be drawn to the isolated food source rather than the mealworms.
This si something I would only do if ants had been to the mealworm farm before. If not you can feed the mealworms regularly. What is important is that no food bits get left outside the container. Once ants smell this they will go to the food and into the farm itself.
Other Deterrents
Create barriers: Use natural repellents to deter ants. From my experience the best ones are cinnamon, chili powder, and diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle these around the mealworm farm. Or you can create a perimeter to discourage ants from crossing the barrier.
Ant traps or baits: Set up ant traps or baits near your mealworm farm. You can buy these from hardware or gardening stores. You can also make them at home by mixing boric acid with sugar or honey. Ants will flock to this instead of your mealworms.
Use light substrate. Wheat bran is light and airy enough so a bit of heat and moisture gets out. Ants don’t like this and should keep them away.
Regular monitoring: Keep a close eye on your farm and surrounding environment. Check for any signs of ant activity or entry points they may be using. Identify and seal these entry points as soon as possible, in particular cracks and gaps.
Professional Help: If you have a severe ant infestation, it may be time to seek professional pest control assistance. They will have the knowledge and resources needed to solve the problem.
Can Ants Kill Mealworms?
It is possible for ants to kill mealworms. But it depends on the situation and the type of ant species.
Ants are known for being diligent and resourceful. They also work together in highly organized colonies. They don’t usually attack mealworms or anything that large, but given the opportunity they will do it.
Mealworms are slower compared to ants which makes them vulnerable. Ants are omnivorous scavengers and predators and feed on other insects. In spite of their name, mealworms are not worms but the larval form of darkling beetles. So yes, ants can kill and eat them.
Under the right circumstances, ants can overpower mealworms especially if it is weakened or immobilized. They may swarm the mealworm and attack in droves. This will only happen if there are enough ants.
The ability of ants to kill mealworms also depends on the species and how large the mealworm is. Certain ant species such as army ants and the bullet ants are efficient hunters. They are the most likely to attack mealworms.
How Likely Will Ants Attack?
In theory ants can attack and kill mealworms. But in reality this is unlikely to happen. Let me explain why.
Majority of ants prefer to eat sugar-rich nectar, honeydew, or other plant-based substances. They will prioritize these over hunting prey, especially larger insects.
What usually happens in nature is ants find a dead mealworm. The ants either consume the mealworm right there or bring it to their colony. If you raise mealworms in a controlled setting, this can be prevented.
The bottom line is that while ants can kill mealworms, this is avoidable. If you have a mealworm farm you can take preventive measures. And if you have healthy mealworms, it will take a whole lot of ants to kill one.
Cleaning Mealworm Farms to Keep Ants Away
Cleaning mealworm farms not only keeps ants away. But it is also necessary for the larvae to stay healthy and thrive. Here is a step by step guide on cleaning a mealworm farm.
- Gather cleaning supplies: You will need gloves, a dust mask, a clean sponge or cloth, hot water, mild detergent or vinegar, and a small brush or toothbrush.
- Empty the container: Remove all mealworms, beetles, pupae, and larvae from the farm. Transfer them to a temporary holding container with air holes and bedding material. I also recommend using separate containers for mealworms, pupae, eggs and beetles.
- Dispose of waste: Remove dead mealworms, frass (waste material) and uneaten food. Be as thorough as possible as leftovers could attract ants.
- Empty and replace bedding: Suitable bedding materials include oats, wheat bran and cornmeal. This guide on mealworm bedding explains everything you need to know.
- Clean the container: Remove any droppings, frass, or remaining food debris. Use a sponge or cloth. Dip the cloth in a mix of hot water and vinegar. Clean the walls, base, and lids of the container. If necessary, use a small brush to scrub off stubborn stains.
- Rinse thoroughly: Hot water is the most effective here. Make sure there are no traces of detergent. Otherwise this could harm the mealworms.
- Air dry: Let the container dry completely before adding fresh bedding. If you put the bedding back before it dries, mold or fungi could grow.
- Return the mealworms: Once the container is thoroughly dried and the bedding in place, add the mealworms. Repeat the process for the egg, pupae and beetle containers.
Related. Where to Buy Mealworms
Regularly check the farm for any signs of mold, pests, or overcrowding. Fix any issues as soon as you can to keep the mealworms healthy.
Cleaning and maintenance might not seem part of keeping ants at bay. But it is. Just like other insects, ants are drawn to food scraps. By keeping your mealworm farm tidy, it will serve as a natural deterrent.
Conclusion
As you probably know, ants are persistent and cany get to pretty much everywhere. But by following the tips here, you can keep your mealworms safe. It might take some effort if ants had already gotten to the farm, but you can still remove them following the guidelines here,
