Mealworms and More

Soil is more than just dirt; it's a living ecosystem. Beneath your feet, millions of microbes work together to break down organic matter, release nutrients, and keep plants thriving. But what happens when soil lacks the organic matter and nutrients it needs? That’s where mealworm frass—a natural output of mealworm farming—comes into play. Recent research sheds light on why mealworm frass is an organic soil superhero, and here’s why you should care. What Is Mealworm Frass? Mealworm frass is essentially insect manure, made up of mealworm waste, bits of shed exoskeletons, and leftover feed particles.  Finely sifted frass like what...

When it comes to mealworm farming, you might hear about "mealworm mites" every now and then. But here’s the truth: mealworm mites aren’t really what they are. The most common mite issue in a mealworm colony is due to grain mites—tiny critters that can make themselves at home in the grain or substrate where mealworms live. Let’s dive into what grain mites are, why they show up, and how to keep your mealworm colony in tip-top shape by avoiding grain mites. What Are Grain Mites? Grain mites are microscopic, white mites that thrive in warm, humid environments, especially where there's food...

When it comes to raising mealworms, one question often arises: can mealworms live without substrate? Understanding the role of substrate in their habitat is crucial for anyone interested in breeding these versatile creatures, whether for animal feed, fishing bait, or even as a sustainable protein source for human consumption. The Importance of Substrate for Mealworms Mealworms, which are the larval form of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), require a proper substrate to thrive. Unlike many other insects, mealworms utilize the substrate not just for nourishment but also as a bedding material. The substrate serves multiple purposes: Nutritional Source: Mealworms consume...

What Mealworms Eat Grains and Bedding: Mealworms thrive on a diet of dry grains, such as oats and wheat bran, which also serve as their bedding. A thick layer of these materials provides comfort and nutrition, aim 1/2-1" thick. Fruits and Vegetables: Mealworms enjoy a variety of kitchen scraps, including: Lettuce Potato peels Apple cores Banana peels However, be cautious about moisture levels; limit wet food to about 30% of their total diet to prevent mold growth. Polystyrene: Research has shown that mealworms can digest polystyrene, a common plastic. They can break it down and excrete harmful chemicals, making them...

If you’re looking to boost your chickens' diet, you might be wondering about live mealworms. Are they good for your flock? Spoiler alert: yes! Let’s dig into the nutritional benefits of mealworms, how to feed them, and what to consider when sourcing high-quality mealworms. Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms for Chickens High Protein Content: Mealworms are a fantastic source of protein, containing up to 50% protein by weight when dried. This makes them an excellent choice for growing chicks and laying hens alike. In contrast, live mealworms contain around 20% protein due to their high moisture content. This difference is essential...