Mealworms require proper ventilation and adequate space to live and thrive. This means the container you choose has to be the best option available. Sure you can use just about any container technically. But this could cause problems like overcrowding or the mealworms escaping. So let\s look at what the top choices are.
The best mesh screens for mealworm farms are made from plastic or steel with 1-2mm holes. It provides sufficient air circulation while ensuring the mealworms cannot escape.
Picking Mesh Materials and Sizes
One of the key factors to consider when deciding on a mesh screen is the size of the holes. You want the mesh to be large enough for ventilation but not too big the mealworms can crawl out..
Generally, a mesh screen with a hole of around 1 to 2 mm is sufficient. It\s too small for them to crawl out of, but it’s enough to ventilate the container.
I also recommend a mesh made of durable and breathable material such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic.. These materials are long-lasting and won’t be damaged easily by chewing or burrowing.
Look for material that is easy to clean because maintaining a hygienic environment is crucial. You’ll also want to have a few in reserve in case you need to replace the current one.
Features to Look For
The mesh screen should be fine enough to prevent pests or predators from getting in. I am talking about mites, ants, or larger insects here. You don’t want any of these getting near the farm as it can cause all kinds of problems and could cause severe damage.
When it comes to the mesh structure, it should be securely attached to the container to prevent any gaps. Mealworms are known to be climbers so a secured mesh screen is essential. You should secure the mesh first before putting the mealworms there.
I like mesh screens with hinged doors or detachable sections. This makes it easy to get to the mealworms when I clean the bedding or harvest them. The more practical the mesh screen, the better. And do not settle for cheap, brittle meshes. Those are not worth the trouble.
Bottom line is you need a mesh screen that is easy to access, practical and secure. It should be large enough for the container but also not difficult to use. This becomes really important if you have several mealworm farm containers.
What Mesh Screen Size is Best for Mealworm Farms?
0.05 to 0.07 in or 1.5-2mm is the ideal mesh screen size in most cases. I want to add that figure is for most cases. As always you should consider your own specific requirements. If you bought a mealworm farm kit, the specifications might be different.
The mesh screen acts as a sieve, allowing debris and pupae to fall through while keeping the adult mealworms within the designated area. At least that’s how a proper mesh screen will work. This is why the size is crucial.
Here are my key factors to consider when selecting the mesh screen size for your mealworm farm. This is based on my personal experience and from observing others. If you are a beginner, you can use this as a general guideline.
Ventilation
Mealworms require adequate ventilation to thrive. Proper airflow helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels within the farm. This also prevents harmful mold and bacteria from growing.
Since mealworms go through different stages, I recommend separating them – larvae, pupae beetles – so you can set up the right screen mesh. This also makes them easier to manage.
Escape Prevention
The main purpose of a mesh screen is to keep mealworms in the container. Since adult mealworms can squeeze through small gaps, it is essential to select a screen size that prevents their escape. While 1-2mm is ideal, you can use 3mm for larger mealworms.
I can’t stress enough how important this is. Mealworms may look content to just burrow and eat. In most cases they are. But why take the risk of some of them crawling out of the mesh? The last thing you want to happen is for mealworms to escape your farm and spread in your property.
Waste Removal
Mealworm farms generate a fair amount of frass (mealworm waste). You also have to remove dirty substrate and molted exoskeletons. This is another factor to consider.
A larger mesh size, around 1/4th inch (6mm) makes waste removal easier. Of course you can use a smaller mesh too, but you have to remove the mealworms first to a temporary container.
Related. How much frass do mealworms produce?
Pupae Separation
Mealworm pupae transform into dark brown, inactive forms as they go through the next life cycle stage. You have to separate the pupa from the rest of the mealworms. If you are planning to harvest pupae separately, choose a mesh size of around 1/16th inch (1.5mm). This is just about right for pupa.
It might take some work to remove pupa especially if you have a lot of mealworm farms. This is why you have to prepare thigs in advance. If you have the right mesh screens and sifters, separating mealworms through their various life cycles will be easy.
Maintenance
I also suggest picking a mesh screen size that works with your cleaning and maintenance routine. Smaller mesh sizes are more challenging to clean since debris can get stuck in the smaller openings. Larger mesh sizes make cleaning easier which is why a lot of mealworm farmers prefer them.
Bottom line is you need to balancing ventilation, escape prevention, waste removal, pupae separation, and ease of maintenance. That sounds like a lot but it is actually easy to find a suitable mesh for your mealworms. You can find them online or various pet stores in your area.
What Mealworm Farm Sifter Size to Use?
A sifter is used to separate the mealworms from their bedding, frass (insect waste), and any leftover food. By choosing the right sifter size, you can collect and harvest mature mealworms and keep the bedding remains intact. You can do this as long as the bedding is still clean. Once the bedding gets too dirty, you have to change it.
The sifter size depends on what stage your mealworms are in and which you want to sift. The most commonly separated stages are the mealworms and the pupae. But you can also separate the beetles if you plan to breed them. There are a lot of options to consider so it helps to plan ahead of time.
For separating mealworms from their bedding, a sifter with a mesh size around 1/4 in or 5-7 mm is ideal. This allows the bedding material to pass without the mealworms slipping through as well.
Using a sifter with a smaller mesh size can result in clogging and may hurt the mealworms. On the other hand, a larger mesh size can allow smaller larvae to escape. So finding the right size is key.
When it comes to separating pupae from the mealworms, a finer sifter is necessary. Pupae are smaller compared to mealworms, and require a finer mesh to prevent them from falling through. A mesh size of about 1/8 inch or 2-3 mm works well.
I want to note that sifter size can also depend on personal preferences and the size variability of your mealworm population. If you notice a wide range in the sizes of your mealworms, you might need to experiment with different meshes to find the one that works best for your colony.
Conclusion
The mesh plays such an important role in mealworms farm that we should not ignore it. Choose the wrong size and your mealworms could escape and give you all kinds of problems. So I would recommend you pick the right one as soon as possible.
