Mealworm hydration question without mold....

• Sep 25, 2009

• #1

B

BioWorkZ

Guest

I've read lots of info regarding giving your mealworms slices of potatoes or carrots and other vegetables. The problem with potatoes and carrots is that the wheat bran soaks up all the moisture and tends to mold rather quickly. Is there another method to keep your mealworms hydrated without soaking the wheat bran?

So far the best method I've seen is at a wholesale mealworm breeder. They fed their mealworms pieces of cactus...or something similar to a cactus. I thought this was genius because the sides of the cactus sitting on the wheat bran still had it's skin on so the wheat bran doesn't soak it up. While the sides was exposed and I saw 100s of mealworms drinking up.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

• Sep 25, 2009

• #2

Imperial Geckos

LIVE THE LIFE ™

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Miami, Fl

well i just put "water crystals" in the substrate once a week with a slice of potato or apple for 24-48 hours then they go back to the fridge

 

• Sep 25, 2009

• #3

acpart

Geck-cessories

Staff member

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Somerville, MA

I use vegetable peels, mostly eggplant, broccoli, apple cores, etc. One thing that may make a difference is that I don't use wheat bran, I use progeckos gutload which may not soak up the moisture as much.

Aliza

 

• Sep 27, 2009

• #4

R

reginald

Guest

I would like to help as I use oatmeal as substrate and carrots for moisture for my mealworms. Previously I also experienced molding, then I tried this:

-slice carrots thin
-using toilet paper (or whatever can easily absorb moisture), I pat dry the carrots to make both sides dry, thus, the carrots aren't wet when they get in contact with the substrate, but still have moisture, when the mealworms eat them.
-remove them after 1 day
-place new ones the following day.

 

• Sep 27, 2009

• #5

snakegirl

New Member

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800

Location

iowa

I think you might be slicing the food to big and giving to much its better to give a little less, then way to much. Because if you do it will turn in to mold And waste food... Try giving very thin Bits, How many mealworms are in each bin? try cutting back to 3 or even 1 Slice rather then a whole veggie.

 

• Sep 27, 2009

• #6

B

BioWorkZ

Guest

Uhhh...during the time of my post I had about 50 mealworms I'm trying to keep alive. As of now, I have over 3000 mealies and 500 superworms. You're right Snakegirl, I was giving them too much veggies, that's why it's all wet. With so many mealies now, I'm not giving them enough. They devour it all. Thanks for the reply. =)

 

• Sep 30, 2009

• #7

GeckoGathering

GrizLaru

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4,323

Location

Indiana

Mold/Mildew/Grain Mites

BioWorkZ said:

Is there another method to keep your mealworms hydrated without soaking the wheat bran?Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

I might add...
fine/broken down grains
are more of a problem
for not only mold/mildew but
chances for establishing
grain mites.
Using a more course as
( IMO Layer Hen Crumbles)
(better fortified too)
has worked much better for me.

Especially if your prey food
is going to possible
gecko breeding mothers.
Also less problem
if depth is kept shallow.
Performing a sifting/discarding of
eaten/broken down meal used.
(removal but not discarding recommended in
Beetle containers, to save possible
eggs and small worms.)
Since dehydration is probably the main
factor in loosing worms ....
it's most important to keep enough
moisture without other problems,
rather than eliminate it.
Other suggestions :
Don't add carrots, etc. straight from the fridge.
Don't keep refrigerated worms with moisture
items in them.
Remove carrots, etc....
That's one reason I suggest whole veggies
and Orange peel or when adding 1/2 a potato
.....set it on top of the mix with the skin
side down.
I've been working on better prey foods
for geckos for about 2 years now so I've gone
through a number of problems while testing.
Take care. HJ​

 

• Oct 1, 2009

• #8

O

OhMyGecko

Guest

I don't give my beetles any kind of moisture and they have been doing fine for months. I just put some whole oats with some cricket gut load powder stuff and it's been working out just fine. I have tons of mealies and no mold.

 

• Oct 1, 2009

• #9

GeckoGathering

GrizLaru

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4,323

Location

Indiana

No Moisture / No Mold

OhMyGecko said:

I don't give my beetles any kind of moisture and they have been doing fine for months. I just put some whole oats with some cricket gut load powder stuff and it's been working out just fine. I have tons of mealies and no mold.

Click to expand...

Well with no moisture supplied
you wouldn't get mold probably.
But what is most likely there
that will be seen is some Dehydrated beetles.
Dried out and crispy.
Beetles need to eat and hydrate and
will turn to Cannibalism,
to get food or moisture.
(eating other beetles/worms)
if you do not supply food/moisture items.
When their eggs are laid you will also start seeing
small black worms. Also dehydrated.
The only thought of getting by would be if you house
them in the fridge.( 55 degrees)
They will get moisture that way. But growth is slowed.
Take care. Hj

http://www.youtube.com/user/GECKOGATHERING
​

 

Last edited: Oct 1, 2009