Mealworm Care Sheet

Mealworm Care Sheet

• On arrival, shake worms out into a container (kitty litter pans or food storage bins work well)
  • Keeping at room temperature:
    • Add a 1” layer of wheat bran or mealworm bedding
    • Supply moisture with raw carrots, potatoes, or celery (this is essential)
    • Sift bedding when bedding appears ‘sandy’
    • Large worms kept at room temperature will pupate very soon!
    • Never let worms sit in direct sunlight or in temperatures 85° or higher
  • Storing in refrigerator (recommended)
    • Remove vegetation while worms are refrigerated
    • Don't store in the coldest areas where the milk is kept or the crisper; it can get a bit too chilly here!
    • Always let worms stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before placing into the refrigerator at 45-50 degrees.
    • At this temperature, the worms become dormant and last for months
    • Worms must stay dry and always have air (do not place in a covered or sealed container)
    • When removed from refrigeration offer moisture and food, worms will be lively and hungry as they warm up