Are you thinking of growing your own mealworms? Mealworm farming is surprisingly easy and not as creepy as it sounds. You may do it to feed your lizard, bird, fish, or even to find new sources of protein that are good for the environment. More about the author?
To start, let’s get one thing straight: mealworms aren’t worms. They are the baby stage of darkling beetles. You don’t need a degree in biology to get started; all you need is a shallow plastic container, preferably one with a lid. Make a few small holes in the lid for air to get in so your little wrigglers may breathe easily. Think of it as making them a nice hotel room that is well-ventilated.
Now it’s time to get the bedding. You don’t need anything fancy; oats, wheat bran, or chicken feed will all work fine. Spread an inch or two over the bottom of the container. This is both their bed and their food. Mealworms prefer to dig, so you’re providing them a smorgasbord for breakfast and a warm blanket at the same time.
But here’s the secret: water. Add a few slices of potato, apple, or carrot every few days. This keeps them happy and hydrated. Just remember to throw away anything that starts to smell bad or turn moldy.
You will start to witness the life cycle unfold in a few weeks. Beetles lay more eggs after they turn into pupae and eventually beetles. Soon, you’ll have a protein supply that you can cultivate yourself and use over and over again. It’s like a small biosphere is working hard on your shelf.
Put the container in a warm place, such the room temperature. Mealworms don’t like the cold or direct sunshine, so don’t put them on the windowsill. Instead, locate them a warm place to hide.
Your mealworm farm might quickly become your pet’s favorite snack station because it doesn’t need much care, is good for the environment, and is very handy.