Start a Mealworm Farm

Why Start a Mealworm Farm?

Mealworms are one of the easiest insects to raise at home. Whether you're feeding a bearded dragon, leopard gecko, jumping spiders, tarantulas, bluebirds, your backyard chickens, or just exploring sustainable protein, a mealworm farm pays for itself quickly and it's surprisingly low-maintenance once you get it set up.

What You'll Need

• A tiered farming system — The 3-Tier Mealworm Breeding Farm System is designed specifically for this, with separate trays for beetles, pupae, eggs and newly hatched worms, and growing out mealworms to harvest size.
• Bedding and food — Coarse Wheat Bran serves double duty as both bedding and a primary food source.
• Starter mealworms or beetles — Purchase live mealworms locally or online to kick off your colony.
• A warm location — Mealworms thrive between 75–85°F (24–29°C).

Step 1: Set Up Your Trays

Fill the beetle bin and bottom mealworm tray with 1–2 inches of Coarse Wheat Bran. The top tray houses adult beetles, the middle tray is where eggs and newly hatched worms fall into from above and the bottom tray is where mealworms grow to harvest size.

Step 2: Add Your Starter Culture

Place starter mealworms in the bottom tray, and beetles in the top bin. Give them a few days to a week to settle while you hydrate and feed them.

Step 3: Provide Moisture (Without Getting Things Wet)

Add a slice of carrot or potato every few days. Remove uneaten pieces before they mold. Never add water directly.

Step 4: Wait and Watch

• Eggs hatch in 1–2 weeks
• Mealworms grow over 8–10 weeks
• Transformation to pupae takes about 2 days
• Beetles emerge and begin laying eggs within a week

Step 5: Harvest Your Mealworms

Sift mealworms out of the bran when they reach ~1 inch. Feed immediately or refrigerate to slow development.

Ready to Get Started?

Shop the 3-Tier Mealworm Breeding Farm System and pair it with Coarse Wheat Bran to get started from day one.