How to Grow Wax Worms

Wax worms are sold at pet stores and bait shops, but they can be expensive and hard to find at times. "Waxies," as they are often called, are a favorite treat of many insect-eating pets, and they also make excellent ice-fishing bait. Wax worms are the larvae of the bee moth, a pest that attacks weakened beehives. The adult moths lay eggs in the hives, then the larvae live in the hive while eating the comb and honey.

Things You'll Need

  • Gallon mason jar with lid
  • 1 box rice cereal baby food
  • 7 tbsp. honey
  • 7 tbsp. vegetable glycerine
  • Waxed paper
  • Aluminum screen
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix the baby food, honey and vegetable glycerine together until they form a crumbly mix. It should hold a ball when squeezed, but crumble easily.

    • 2

      Add the mixture to a gallon glass mason jar. Add enough to make a 2- to 3-inch layer on the bottom of the jar. You can store the rest in the freezer if you have some left over.

    • 3

      Add wax worms to the jar. You can purchase them at bait stores, pet shops or online. If you know a beekeeper, you may be able to get some from him.

    • 4

      Crumple a sheet of waxed paper and add it to the top of the mix. The wax worms will crawl into the waxed paper and spin cocoons when they are ready to change into adult moths.

    • 5

      Add a screen lid to the culture using a piece of aluminum screen. Don't use fiberglass screen, as the larvae will chew through it. Cut the screen to the size of the jar top using a pair of scissors. Then screw the ring part of the mason jar lid on top of the jar with the screen sandwiched underneath.

    • 6

      Place the culture where it will stay at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The colony should start producing full-sized larvae within six to seven weeks.