How to Store Live Meal Worms

Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are a widely used live food source for wild birds, particularly bluebirds, and exotic pets including reptiles, amphibians and aquarium fish. They are high in protein and fat, and are readily available from numerous online suppliers. Larger "giant" varieties are also used as live bait for trout, bass, perch and other pan fish. Mealworms hibernate at temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees, so they can be easily stored in your refrigerator for lengthy periods of time, which makes it easy to ensure a constant supply even in winter months.

Things You'll Need

  • Regular oatmeal (not instant), corn meal or wheat bran
  • Small pieces of apple or carrot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread about ¾ inch of bedding material in the bottom of a container such as a shoe box.

    • 2

      Distribute the mealworms over the bedding.

    • 3

      Cover the worms with another ¾ inch layer of bedding material. Mealworms cannot climb more than about an inch, so it's not necessary to cover the container. However, if you prefer to do so, be sure to punch numerous ventilation holes in the container lid.

    • 4

      Place the container in the lower area of your refrigerator, away from the freezer section.

    • 5

      Remove the mealworms from your refrigerator at least once a week. Add small slices of apple, carrot or potato to the container (for moisture) and keep it at room temperature for 12 hours. This will allow the mealworms to warm up and come out of hibernation so they can eat and drink.

    • 6

      Discard the uneaten pieces of fruit or vegetables when you're ready to return the container to you refrigerator. Repeat the weekly warming and feeding process until your supply of mealworms is used up.