How to Harvest Waxworms

Waxworms are the larvae of wax moths. They are used to feed birds, lizards, snakes, turtles and other amphibians and reptiles. Waxworms are also used for fishing bait. You can buy them from bait suppliers, or, you can raise your own. Waxworms are relatively easy to raise. Once they have grown to the full larvae stage and are plump, they are usually ready to harvest. The larvae are creamy white to tan in color, with a dark head.

Things You'll Need

  • Waxworm tubs with lids
  • Wood shavings or sawdust
  • Refrigerator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place an empty waxworm tub with the lid off on a flat work surface. Open the container the waxworms are in. Remove the culture medium they've been growing in. Carefully spread it out on a flat work surface, according to Exotic Pets. The medium will be sticky because of the silky strings the waxworms have spun.

    • 2

      Sort through the medium and pick the waxworms up one-by-one. They can move quickly both forward and backwards, so you need to be attentive. Place them in the empty tub. When you've harvested all the waxworms, place some wood shavings in the tub around them.

    • 3

      Place the lid back on the tub. Place the tub in a refrigerator and use them as needed. You can store waxworms in excess of three to four months, according to Exotic Pets.