You would think that mealworms would be the last thing you would want on your sandwich. Well, it’s considered a delicacy by some people’s plates, backyard birds, and pet reptiles. The squirmy animals are excellent for keeping your dogs active and chatty. – useful link
However, you may be wondering how you’re going to keep a handful of mealworms fresh and feisty while they’re squirming in your fingers. Don’t be afraid, dear friend. Take a lighthearted look at the nuances of rearing those wigglers.
Let’s start with their preferred temperature, which is mild, pleasant, and laid back—much like myself at naptime immediately following the Thanksgiving feast. Again, do not keep them in absolute Arctic cold; instead, store them between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Put them in the refrigerator; unless you like mealworm popsicles, stay away from the freezer section. They are being placed in a five-star hotel by a crisper drawer.
Regarding the bedding, it doesn’t have to be Egyptian cotton sheets, but it isn’t. A basic oat or bran substrate will work well for both bedding and snacking. Mealworms are multitaskers, you see. If one listens carefully, they may even be heard munching away while playing the tiniest crunchy melodies.
Mealworms also experience thirst, but they don’t need sippy cups, I promise. A delicious, fresh fruit or vegetable works well. In a pinch, apples, potatoes, or carrots will do. The best thing is that you should avoid excessive wetness because it might quickly convert your mealworm condo into a moldy mess before you can say “lunchtime.”
Maintain cleanliness: Clutter doesn’t exactly appeal to mealworms. Remove the outdated vegetable scraps before they begin to give off an unpleasant odor. Consider it your bug empire’s spring cleaning, except without the feather duster. What am I hearing? Are there any unpleasant smells coming from the Mealworm Hotel? It’s time to switch sheets.