How to Store Mealworms

Many birders wonder how to use the correct method to store mealworms, the natural live food source for birds that's packed with nutritional protein birds need. It is important to learn proper storage methods for your mealworms to keep them in top condition. Most wild birds flock to mealworms and will reward you with their presence and beautiful songs when you feed them their favorite treat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several sheets of newspaper
• Water
• Spray bottle

Refrigerated Method

1. Place the mealworms in a container with 2 to 3 inches of wheat bran or an equal mixture of corn and oat bran. This amount of substrate is for approximately 2,500 mealworms.

2. Set the container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks, uncovered.

3. Remove the mealworm container from the refrigerator and allow them to warm up to room temperature.

4. Feed the mealworms one carrot over a 24-hour period. Other foods to feed mealworms are apples, lettuce or any other fruit or vegetable you have.

5. Remove the carrot, or other food source, and return the mealworm container to the refrigerator.

6. Repeat these steps every 2 to 3 weeks.

Unrefrigerated Method--Harvest Your Own Mealworms

7. Place 1 ½ to 2 inches of regular uncooked oatmeal or wheat bran into a plastic container that measures approximately 10x17x6 inches. This is the bedding material also known as the substrate.

8. Cut several sheets of newspaper to cover two thirds of the substrate making sure to leave open edges and a space between the newspaper edges and the plastic container. This allows the mealworms to climb between the sheets of newspaper.

9. Spray the newspaper lightly with water twice a day. Make sure not to soak the newspaper and the bedding material underneath.

10. Add small pieces of apples, carrots or other moist vegetables or fruits to supply moisture to the mealworms. One thousand mealworms only need about one quarter of an apple at a time.

11. Place your mealworms into the container and keep it in a warm area. Optimum temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees F. The warmer the area, the happier the mealworms and the faster they will reproduce.

Tips & Warnings

• Some birders store their mealworms in a container in the refrigerator without any substrate. This makes it easier to gather them when you feed the birds. Remove the mealworm container at least once a week, allowing the mealworms to come to room temperature. Feed them as in the non-refrigerated storing method.
• Do not place a cover onto the plastic container. The mealworms will not be able to crawl up the slippery sides.
• Never place the mealworm container in direct sunlight.