Whether you are interested in breeding mealworms for your own use or for commercial purposes, mealworm farming offers numerous benefits. In this article I will walk you through basics of creating a simple mealworm farm.
You will need a plastic container at least 6 inches high. Put 2-3 inches of wheat bran, oats or whatever grains you prefer. Add the mealworms and place the container somewhere dark.
How to Create a Mealworm Farm
Not only are mealworms highly nutritious, but they also require minimal space, investment, and maintenance. Let’s take a look at what you will need.
Required Materials
- Mealworms
- Container
- Substrate/bedding (wheat bran or other grains)
- Food (fruit and vegetable scraps are fine)
Step 1: The Mealworm Life Cycle
Mealworms go through a complete metamorphosis. It is made up of four stages: egg, larvae (mealworm), pupae, and adult darkling beetles. Understanding this life cycle is essential to farm mealworms. You can find mealworms in many pet stores online or start with 200-1000 mealworms.
Step 2: Set up the Farm
You can create a mealworm farm using affordable materials such as plastic containers or Tupperware bins. I suggest drilling small holes in the lid and sides of the container for ventilation.
Make sure the holes aren’t too big because the mealworms might crawl out. Small holes are enough to bring air in.
Place a substrate at the bottom of the bin. I use oat bran, wheat bran, or rolled oats. This is where mealworms will burrow and also feed on.
Place the mealworms in the container. If you don’t have any yet, you can buy mealworms at pet supply stores.
Related. Where mealworms are found
Step 3: Food and Hydration
Mealworms primarily feed on a diet of grains, vegetables, and fruits. I regularly supply them with fresh food like carrots, apples, lettuce, or potatoes. However it is perfectly fine to give them vegetable and fruit scraps.
Feed them in small portions to prevent mold. Make sure to remove uneaten food promptly to keep the farm clean. Mealworms also require hydration so add some slices of water-rich fruits like oranges or cucumbers.
Step 4: Farm Maintenance
To ensure the health and growth of your mealworms, maintain the ideal conditions within the farm. A temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) is suitable for mealworms, while pupae require slightly higher temperatures.
Keep the farm away from direct sunlight or drafts. Mealworms don’t really like light which is why they like to burrow.
Step 5: Harvesting Mealworms
You can harvest mealworms when they are about an inch long and plump. At this stage, you can collect them for personal use or sell as reptile feed, pet treats, or fishing bait.
Carefully sift the substrate to separate the worms from the frass (waste) and transfer them to a new container for cleaning.
Step 6: Expand Your Farm
Once you’ve gained experience and confidence in mealworm farming, you can gradually expand your operation. This may involve increasing the number of bins, optimizing space utilization, or experimenting with different substrates and feed options.
Like any hobby or venture, mealworm farming requires continuous learning and improvement.
I suggest joining online communities, read books, watch tutorials, and interact with experienced mealworm farmers to enhance your knowledge and exchange tips and experiences.
That is a general overview on what you need to do. As you can see it really doesn’t take much or cost much. Now let us take a look at some more of these in detail.
What Container is Best for Mealworms?
The container must be suitable for mealworms to flourish, but also prevent them from escaping. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting containers for mealworms.
Size. Mealworms go through various stages of growth, from egg to larva to pupa and finally to adult beetles. You’ll need containers that are spacious enough to accommodate the growing larvae and beetles. As a general guideline, I suggest containers that are at least 1-2 inches deep, allowing enough room for them to move freely.
Material. Mealworm containers can be made of various materials, including plastic, glass, or metal. Make sure the chosen material is durable, easy to clean, and allows proper ventilation. Clear lids or mesh tops can offer good airflow while preventing escape.
Ventilation. Adequate airflow is crucial to keep mealworms in a healthy environment. Containers with small holes or a mesh lid can ensure optimal ventilation and prevent excessive moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or the death of mealworms.
Accessibility. Go for containers that provide easy access for feeding and cleaning. Containers with removable lids or stackable designs will make it hassle-free to handle and maintain the insects.
Additional features. Since mealworms require specific conditions for growth, consider containers that cater to their life cycle. Some containers have built-in features like small compartments for pupation or egg-laying, providing a more natural environment for mealworms.
Hygiene and cleaning. Regular cleaning of mealworm containers is essential to maintain a healthy environment and prevent bacterial or fungal growth. Choose containers that are easy to sanitize, preferably with smooth, non-porous surfaces that allow for quick cleaning and drying.
Stackability. If you plan to house a large number of mealworms or want to maximize space efficiency, consider stackable containers. This allows you to vertically stack containers, saving valuable space
How to Choose Mealworm Substrate
A suitable substrate provides the necessary environment for mealworms to thrive and reproduce. It also ensures proper moisture and cleanliness. These are the factors that for me, will detemrine what substrate to use.
Nutritional Value
Mealworms require a substrate that is rich in nutrients. This ensures their growth and development. Common substrates include grains like oats, wheat bran and cornmeal and they are all suitable.
You can also try a combination of these. These substrates provide essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for proper mealworm nutrition.
Moisture Content
The substrate should have the right balance of moisture. It cannot be too wet nor too dry. If the bedding is too damp it may promote the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi. This can be disaster especially for a new mealworm farm.
If the substrate is too dry, the mealworms may struggle to molt and can become dehydrated. Aim for a substrate that is slightly moist but not sodden.
Texture
The texture of the substrate is crucial for mealworms’ movement, burrowing, and reproduction. It should be loose enough for the mealworms to dig into so they can move naturally.
I often use just one type like wheat bran or oats. But you can use a
combination of materials such as bran, oatmeal, or cornmeal. Any combo will produce the right texture for mealworms.
Odor Control
Mealworms can produce an odor which can be off-putting. Choose a substrate that helps minimize or absorb the odor.
Some substrates like coconut coir, can effectively control the smell and provide a more pleasant environment. Here you’ll need to experiment with different substrates.
Purity
The substrate has to be free from any harmful contaminants or chemicals that could harm or poison the mealworms. Avoid using substrates that may have been treated with pesticides or contain harmful additives.
Ease of Cleaning
Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to prevent the buildup of waste and potential contamination. Be sure to choose a substrate that is suitable for mealworms. Replace these regularly too.
Where to Buy Mealworm Farm Supplies
There are a lot of options nowadays. The following are just some of the ways you can research and buy materials for your mealworm farm.
Pet Stores and Specialty Retailers
Pet stores are an excellent place to find mealworms. Look for stores that specialize in reptiles, birds, or other animals that commonly consume mealworms.
Larger retailers are more likely to offer a variety of sizes and bulk options. Some popular pet stores that might carry mealworms include PetSmart, Petco, or your local independent pet shops.
Online Retailers
Shopping for mealworms online offers convenience and a potentially wider selection. Many reputable online retailers offer mealworms and other live insects which can ship the product to your doorstep.
Amazon and eBay often have multiple sellers featuring a range of mealworms and related products. Always verify the seller’s ratings and reviews before purchasing.
When shopping online for mealworm farm supplies, look for these:
- The supplier should offer mealworms in bulk quantities and multiple sizes. Based on my experience it is cheaper to buy in bulk.
- Mealworms also feed on insects. If that’s what you want to give them, look for a supplier that provides these.
- Check what reviewers have to say about the product.
Local Farmers and Breeders:
I also suggest reaching out to local farmers, breeders, or bug enthusiasts to purchase mealworms directly.
Check for classified ads, social media groups, or online forums where you can connect with these individuals. This option allows you to support local businesses and possibly find insects at lower prices.
Reptile Expos and Shows
Reptile expos and shows are events where breeders, vendors, and enthusiasts gather to showcase a variety of reptiles, feeders, and related products.
Attendees can often find mealworms at these events. Research and find local reptile expos or shows in your area and explore the offerings for mealworms.
DIY: Breeding Your Own Mealworms
If you are in this for the long term, I would consider breeding a colony. It’s a cost-effective option that allows you to control the quality and quantity of the mealworms.
Many suppliers offer mealworm breeding kits which typically include everything you need to get started. It’s just a matter of finding one that suits your needs.
Conclusion
When looking to purchase mealworms, you have several options available, including pet stores, online retailers, local breeders, and reptile expos. Assess your personal preferences, budget, and preferences.
Remember that patience is key, and success may take time as you gain expertise in mealworm farming. But once you get the knack of it, you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
