Problem raising meal worms (Bugs)

[Bob1949]

I recently began raising my own meal worms to save on the cost of buying them from the pet store. I've already run into a problem. Upon inspecting the substrate of my worm box, I noticed what looks like small ants. They are dark in color, the size of a sugar ant, but have two body parts, not three as do ants. I initially thought they were mites, but after some research I believe they are what are known as weevils. I was about to blame the meal worm supplier for these bugs, but have since realized they came with the wheat bran I am using as my substrate (a 50 lb. bag purchased at a farm coop).

Before I dump the wheat bran into my compost pile, I thought I'd ask if anyone knows of a way to kill the bugs and still be able to use the bran. I've read that parasites in grains can be killed off by freezing the grain for 2-3 days. I've also read that placing the grain onto a cookie sheet in a thin layer and baking for 10 minutes at 250F will kill them off. Has anyone here done this and do these methods work.

My last question, and one I fear will probably be the best answer to my dilemma, should I just cut my losses now, freeze or feed off the meal worms I presently have (about 3000) and start over fresh?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

The oven thing should work. You can also microwave it.

Edit: this is not from having my own mealworms. Someone once gave me a corn-filled bean bag that was supposed to be used as a hot pad by placing in the microwave. Well, I didn't use it, and about a month later I hear chewing in my desk and find the bag. No worms in the drawer, but they were definitely in the bag.

The microwaving would have killed them in the egg stage.

 

[Bob1949]

I put the wheat bran in the oven at 250F for 15 minutes. I used sheet pans and spread the bran about a half inch thick. The finished bran didn't show any signs of life, so I'm hoping this method will work. Time will tell.

I also put the wheat bran in a two gallon zip bag for freezing. I'll leave it in there for a few days before trying to use it. I heard that microwaving will kill off bugs, but draws moisture out of the bran leaving condensation on the surface, which in turn will cause mold in the substrate. I don't know if this is true, but I fear the freezer method may do the same once it' removed from the freezer and brought back to room temperature. Again, time will tell.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I've raised mealworms twice, the first time I froze the bran for a couple days before putting in a bin. Let it sit for a day, stirring to help it get to room temp before I put the mealworms in. That farm went well, ended up selling it & the guy ended up splitting it into two farms...He had ALOT of chickens.

The second time I started a MW Farm, forgot to freeze it first. Put the MW in & they thrived, turned to pupas then beetles, finally saw the tiny babies. One morning I discovered the table they were on covered in this light colored soot. Then noticed it on the walls & ceiling, they were coming from the Farm!

After freaking out, dumped the whole thing into a bag & tied it shut. Sprayed & cleaned up the critters, assuming some kind of grain critters. Then I remembered I forgot to freeze the bran first. I decided at that point it's easier to order Freeze Dried Mealworms as I only keep 4 - 6 hens at a time.

Heard about microwaving & oven but I've got a chest freezer, simpler for me. Only you can decide which way to go.

 

[Kula111]

I recently began raising my own meal worms to save on the cost of buying them from the pet store. I've already run into a problem. Upon inspecting the substrate of my worm box, I noticed what looks like small ants. They are dark in color, the size of a sugar ant, but have two body parts, not three as do ants. I initially thought they were mites, but after some research I believe they are what are known as weevils. I was about to blame the meal worm supplier for these bugs, but have since realized they came with the wheat bran I am using as my substrate (a 50 lb. bag purchased at a farm coop).

Before I dump the wheat bran into my compost pile, I thought I'd ask if anyone knows of a way to kill the bugs and still be able to use the bran. I've read that parasites in grains can be killed off by freezing the grain for 2-3 days. I've also read that placing the grain onto a cookie sheet in a thin layer and baking for 10 minutes at 250F will kill them off. Has anyone here done this and do these methods work.

My last question, and one I fear will probably be the best answer to my dilemma, should I just cut my losses now, freeze or feed off the meal worms I presently have (about 3000) and start over fresh?