Arkansas Redneck Mealworm Farm

🟦 1. Unpacking Your Mealworms

When your order arrives:

Gently open the container.

Check that the bedding is dry and odor-free.

Pour the contents into a clean, smooth-sided plastic or glass container that is at least 2–3 inches deep.

Tip: Do not use metal containers — mealworms do not thrive in metal environments.

🟧 2. Bedding (Dry Food Source)

Mealworms require a dry substrate that doubles as their food.

Recommended bedding:

Wheat bran (best)

Oats

Rolled oats

Chick starter crumble (non-medicated)

Fill the container with 1–2 inches of bedding.

Replace bedding when:

It becomes powdery like sand (“frass”)

It smells sour

You see mold (very rare if kept dry)

Most people replace bedding every 2–4 weeks depending on quantity and temperature.

🟨 3. Water Source (Moisture)

Mealworms cannot drink standing water.
Use vegetable moisture sources, such as:

Carrot slices (best)

Potato slices

Apple slices

Squash pieces

Guidelines:

Replace moisture sources every 48–72 hours

Remove old or dry pieces

Do not oversaturate bedding — moisture causes mold

🟪 4. Temperature

Mealworms thrive at:

70–80°F (21–27°C) — ideal

Cooler temps slow growth

Warmer temps increase activity but shorten lifespan

Avoid:

Freezing

Leaving them in a hot car

Direct sunlight

🟫 5. Cleaning & Maintenance

Every 2–4 weeks:

Pour live larvae through a colander/sifter

Collect the clean worms

Dispose of frass

Add fresh bedding

Add fresh carrot slices

🟥 6. Long-Term Storage Option

To keep mealworms in “sleep mode”:

Place the container in the refrigerator vegetable drawer

Temperature should be 42–50°F

This slows movement and growth

Remove once weekly for 24 hours with fresh carrot slices, then return to fridge

🟩 Need Help?

If you have care questions, contact:
Arkansas Redneck Mealworm Farm