Habitat of Mealworms

The call of the wild does not really beckon mealworms. If no other food source is available to them, they will seek out moist, dark places, such as beneath rocks or rotten logs and in animal burrows. Mealworms in the wild will eat decaying leaves and wood, dried grasses and grains. They strongly prefer human environments, however.

Human environments are far more suitable to a mealworm’s need. Because food doubles as habitat for mealworms, mills, warehouses, grocery stores and farms are ideal habitats for these scavengers. Such places tend to have stored grains, which doubles as food and habitat for mealworms. They bury themselves in about 3 inches of crushed wheat bran, for example, and live in the very substance they also consume. They also get their water from potatoes and apples.

Because mealworms are a food source for small mammals, reptiles, birds and fish, some people will raise them. Mealworms can thrive in captivity, and can be purchased at pet shops. A clean, plastic storage container with air holes pre-drilled or drilled in is ideal, although a shoe box with air holes also will do. Temperatures should be kept on the warm side. Mealworms are resilient but thrive at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F. Fill the container with wood shavings, rocks, mulch, dried leaves and sticks – anything the mealworm can use to bury itself beneath. Feed them oats and pieces of apple.

Insects will be insects, and the mealworm is not picky. Therefore, mealworms often are found in areas where excess biological waste has accumulated. Unsavory though it is, waste offers the mealworm a dark, moist place under which to bury itself and plenty of water-rich food to keep itself fed for a long time.