- Jan 10, 2014
- 5
- 0
- 50
I have been able to keep the grain mites at bay. I microwave the wheat bran before using it, heating it and killing most eggs. I keep the mealworms separated by size. Once they get to about 1/3 adult size, they are growing so fast the mites are overcome. When I separate the eggs from the beetles (about once a month), I notice the bran is more susceptible to the mites. I keep this separated from all the other mealworms if I see any mites. I put this container into a larger bin, surrounded by Diatomaceous earth. The mites will migrate out of the mealworm bin, but can't get beyond this barrier, so the mites cannot spread out of control. Then just wait for the mealworms to grow. I do give them cut up carrots for moisture, which feeds the mites, but I figure the mealworms need it. Once the mealworms get to 1/3 adult size I sift the grain out with a frying oil splash screen and there go most of the mites. At this point I add only enough bran for a few days. The mealworms are growing so fast that the mites cannot reproduce fast enough. I don't rinse the mealworms.