Things You'll Need
- Rolled oats
- Plastic container with large surface area
- Carrots
- Sifter
Instructions
Pour 1 1/2 to 2 inches of rolled oats in the bottom of a shallow plastic container. Mealworms eat oats, and the nutritious grain makes mealworms healthier for animals that eat mealworms.
Add a few carrot slices to provide moisture to the mealworms. Moisture will make the mealworms fatter.
Place the mealworms into the container, leaving 1 inch or more of space at the top. If you wish to use a lid, choose a well-ventilated lid to prevent condensation and allow the worms to breath. Since mealworms can't crawl out of the container, a lid is not necessary.
Store the mealworms in a warm area, preferably 80 degrees, out of direct sunlight. A warm place will encourage worm growth.
Sift dross, or mealworm waste, out of the bedding whenever you notice an ammonia odor.
Place your mealworms in a refrigerator when they reach the desired size to prevent them from transforming into beetles. You will need to remove the larvae once a week for several hours so they can eat. Continue to provide carrot slices and oats.