FAQ
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR OUR MEALWORM GROWING PODS
Going on vacation
If you know you will not be able to feed your mealworms for several days - that’s Ok! Mealworms can live for several weeks without feeding. If you cannot get someone else to feed them, we recommend placing them into your fridge. They will hibernate. However, please be aware that eggs/pupae are less likely to survive an extended stay in your fridge.
Can mealworms feel pain?
For humans, pain is our body’s response to a stimulus. In contrast, insects have a simple nervous system and a very different biological make up to mammals, and do not perceive pain like we do.
WHAt are the best temperature and humidity ranges?
Temperature and humidity impacts growth rate and hatching of eggs. So, if it’s too cold it can take a long time for you to produce enough insects for your animals. If it gets too humid, mold might start to form, which can kill your mealworms. High humidity can also cause dust mites (which naturally lie dormant in oats). Mealworms can survive 55-90 degrees F, but the extremes are suboptimal. Ideal ranges are 75-80 degrees F and 60-70% relative humidity. Low humidity levels cause eggs to desiccate and die.
Can I add trays to my habitat?
Definitely! You can stack up to 3 additional trays (for a total of 6) that will fit nicely in the footprint of one tray.
How do i know if i have the correct # of beetles?
If you have too few beetles you will have a reduced mealworm output. If you have too many, you will have a large mealworm output and risk overpopulation, which can lead to humidity issues which can in turn lead to mould and dust mites.
I don't see any mealworms!
It can take several weeks for the eggs to develop into mealworms. They start off very small and are barely visible.
Where are these units manufactured?
The Bug Factory is fabricated in the UNITED KINGDOM (England) from 100% recycled refrigerator freezer plastic.
Where do I place my bug factory?
Indoors out of direct sunlight is best. Do NOT place the habitats on radiators or other heat emitting surfaces.
I live in a dry location - how do i raise the humidity?
An ULTRASONIC humidifier is one great option. These increase humidity without raising the dew point (high dew points are when water condenses on surfaces like windows and the air feels muggy). Avoid warm or cool mist humidifiers, which can cause mold or grain mites. Overly humid conditions are not recommended.
what foods do i give my mealworms to eat?
You may feed the adult beetles oatmeal (not steel cut) so that the food particles do not easily fall through the egg holes. All ages of larvae can be fed wheat or oat bran. Both adult beetles and larvae of all ages can be given carrots as hydration (water source). Make sure the carrots are not soaking wet but padded dry first.