Mealworm Farming For Beginners

 

Here's a complete guide to mealworm farming, perfect for beginners and small-scale operations:

What Are Mealworms?

Mealworms are the larval stage of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor). They're high in protein and used for pet food, livestock feed, fishing bait, and even human consumption.

Lifecycle Overview

1.    Egg – ~4–20 days to hatch.

2.    Larva (Mealworm) – 8–10 weeks of growth.

3.    Pupa – 1–3 weeks before becoming an adult beetle.

4.    Adult Beetle – Lives 2–3 months, lays 100–500 eggs.

What You Need to Start

Supplies

·  Plastic or metal containers with smooth sides (stackable drawers work great)

·  Ventilated lids or mesh covers

·  Substrate (bran, oats, or wheat middlings)

·  Egg cartons or cardboard for beetle hiding

·  Sifter or mesh screen

·  Thermometer and hygrometer

·  Optional: Heat mat

Ideal Conditions

·  Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

·  Humidity: 60–70%

·  Light: Minimal (they prefer dark)

·  Ventilation: Prevent mold buildup

Setup Process

1. Container Setup

·  Layer 1–2 inches of substrate.

·  Add sliced potatoes, carrots, or apples for moisture.

·  Add egg cartons to give beetles a place to hide.

2. Start with Mealworms

·  Buy from a reputable source.

·  Start with 500–1000 larvae to build a colony faster.

3. Feeding

·  Use the substrate as both bedding and food.

·  Replace veggies every 2–3 days.

·  Keep it dry to avoid mold.

Farming Cycle

Breeding

·  Once larvae pupate, move pupae to a separate container.

·  After beetles emerge, move them to a breeding container with fresh substrate.

·  Beetles lay eggs in 1–2 weeks.

Harvesting

·  Separate larvae from the frass (waste) and substrate using a sifter.

·  You can harvest mealworms at any stage, depending on size needed.

Cleaning & Maintenance

·  Clean every 1–2 weeks.

·  Remove dead beetles, uneaten food, moldy substrate.

·  Replace substrate every 4–6 weeks or when it's mostly frass.

Scaling Up

·  Stack containers vertically (label by date).

·  Rotate beetle containers every 2–4 weeks to manage breeding cycles.

Selling or Using Mealworms

·  Sell to pet stores, farmers, fishers, or online.

·  Use as feed for chickens, reptiles, birds, or even for composting.

·  For human consumption, dry and roast them (check food safety regulations in your area).

Common Problems

Problem	Solution
Mold	Reduce moisture, increase ventilation
Escapes	Use smooth-sided containers
Mites	Freeze new substrate before adding
Low egg production	Check beetle age, temperature, or substrate quality