FAQ

Store at room temperature, away from sunlight. Make sure the mealworms have sufficient dry food - wheat bran or oatmeal work well. Also provide a source of moisture every few days - mist with water or provide a slice or two of carrot, apple, or potato. For best results, use within 7-10 days. (Remember, we use no growth hormones or chemicals to delay their development - the larvae will begin to pupate.)

Some larvae may climb out of the container, so we recommend either emptying the mealworms into a container with smooth sides or setting the container in a smooth dish or pan to catch any that might climb out.

The larvae and beetles prefer darkness, so it's best to either leave the lid on the container, or remove the lid and place the container in a brown paper bag so they can have both ventilation and darkness.

To keep longer than 10 days before using, it's best to store mealworms in a cool place to help slow down their natural development. They can be refrigerated at 45-55 degrees F. Remove from cold weekly and allow to return to room temperature for 24 hours. If their dry food is running low, provide oats or wheat bran. Also provide carrot, potato, or apple slices for moisture. Remove any uneaten carrot/apple/potato before returning to fridge.

Note: most household refrigerators are colder than 45 degrees. If refrigerated, put in the warmest part of the appliance and be aware that there could be some die-off due to colder than optimal temperatures.

Transfer them to a shallow dish with a layer of wheat bran or oats covering the bottom to a depth of at least 1/4". If the dish is covered, make sure there are air holes for ventilation, and make sure there is not too much condensation in the container. Store them in a cool, dark place, ideally between 48 & 55 degrees F. They will enter a quasi-dormant state in these lower temperatures.

Remove them from the fridge at least once a week to warm up for a few hours and to take moisture - carrot, potato, or apple will do.

The cool temperatures also will help reduce the number of eggs that might be laid in the container.

If maintained at room temperature, check on them daily to make sure they have enough dry food/substrate, and offer carrot or potato slice for moisture.

Once the beetles have all been removed, take care to freeze the container and the substrate (dry food) they are kept in to kill any eggs before disposing of the substrate.

It depends on several factors, but at least two weeks and probably a lot longer. The factor most affecting their longevity after purchase? How they are cared for: where they are kept, the conditions, what they are fed, and how much moisture they receive.

If you follow the instructions in the previous question on caring for live mealworms, they can survive quite a long time - up to several months.

The key variable is usually temperature, though. The optimal temperature for Tenebrio Molitor development is 77-88 degrees F, but they can survive well outside that range - particularly the lower end of the range. When temperatures drop below their optimal range, their natural response is to begin to slow down, and will enter a quasi-dormant state around 54F. As such, storing them in the refrigerator is a common way of maintaining mealworms. Held at room temperature, their development continues normally and large mealworms will pupate fairly soon after purchase.

Ideally, mealworms should not be subjected to temperatures below 50F for long periods. However, the maximum temperature on most household refrigerators is 42F.

The colder the temperature and/or the longer they are stored below their optimal temperature range, the higher the mortality and the less time they will survive.

Live mealworms should not be put in the compost (they aren't that type of 'worm'). Dead ones certainly can be, though.

In their adult form and natural environment, darkling beetles are decomposers, eating decaying organic matter and helping to recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. However, Tenebrio Molitor (yellow mealworms) are not native to our area and should not be released outdoors.

A few ideas:

1. Gift any leftovers to a friend or neighbor with chickens or ducks, or trade for fresh eggs.

2. Put in a smooth, shallow dish and place outside in the shade for wild birds or wildlife to enjoy.

3. Gift them to a non-profit wildlife rescue or environmental education center. In our area, the Ernie Miller Nature Center has many cool critters who will happily enjoy them!

4. Gift them to a nursing home or retirement village. Many maintain birdfeeders for residents to enjoy.

What NOT to do:

Release them outdoors. Tenebrio Molitor are not native to our area and should not be released outdoors. While it's not likely many would survive outdoors in our harsh winters, they are quite robust and resilient. If a few escape a feeder from time to time, there's not much need to worry, but a large number released outside - particularly in rural areas, could become pests if they make their way to an outbuilding or grain storage.

If you don't have anyone to gift them to, it's best to put them in a freezer (preferably a deep freezer) for at least 72 hours before putting them in your compost heap or disposing of them in the garbage. (Yes, other folks will say that freezing for 24 hours is long enough... it's really not - especially in a household freezer that doesn't drop below 0F.)

Birds can get kind of messy and toss food on the ground, or miss a hand-off to a fledgling. If a few larvae 'escape' the bird feeder, there's not much need to worry. Other birds or small mammals will likely find the escapees and enjoy the snack, or harsh summer or winter conditions will take care any that remain.

If you're concerned, though, or you have a feeder on the ground where robins and other birds can access it, you might try putting the food dish in a larger shallow tray to catch any that are tossed from the feeder.

It's a pupa. Mealworms are the larval stage of the Tenebrio Molitor beetle, which has four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult.

Our mealworms are all-natural. We use no growth hormones or chemicals to delay their development. That means that the larvae will begin to pupate. The longer they are kept before use, the more of them will start to pupate. Many birds and other animals will gladly eat the pupae, too, so don't throw them out.

Mealworms are the larval stage of the Tenebrio Molitor beetle, which has four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult.

If there is a beetle in the mealworm container, a larva (mealworm) continued it's development through the pupa stage and emerged in its adult form.

Our mealworms are all-natural. We use no growth hormones or chemicals to delay their development. That means that the larvae will begin to pupate. The longer they are kept before use, the more of them will continue their development from larva to pupa to adult. Many birds and other animals will gladly eat the pupae and adult beetles, too, so don't throw them out.

Many reptiles, however, tend not to like the adult beetles.

In their natural environment, they are decomposers and feed on a variety of organic matter.

When raised on an insect farm, they usually eat grains and vegetables. Wheat bran and oats are the most common grains, but rye, barley, distillers grains, and others are sometimes used. Carrots and potatoes are commonly fed as a source of additional nutrients and moisture, though many other fruits and vegetables can be used.

Water can also be misted on the surface and sides of their growing bins for them to drink, though they can also absorb moisture from the air.

Nope - they LOVE mealworms. More than just about anything, it seems. They devour the larvae, the pupae, and adult beetles. Using larvae and pupae as a treat in the evening can get free-range chickens in their coop in a flash. Adult beetles offer excellent stimulation - chickens love to chase them. A few beetles released into their bedding is irresistible - chickens will turn their own bedding trying to get every last beetle.

One word of caution - Tenebrio Molitor is not endemic to this area, so be mindful not to release more than your chickens can nab.

Tenebrio Molitor is a holometabolous insect species, meaning it undergoes complete metamorphosis and has four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult.

It's extremely rare. So far in our experience, only once by a larva and never by an adult beetle. It was surprising rather than painful. No broken skin.

The larvae and beetles can be held and hold on to you. It feels like holding a lightening bug or a lady bug.

Technically, yes. The adult beetles do have wings but their wings aren't really designed for long flights. They can, and occasionally do take flight. However, they don't get far and can't really decide where they want to go and then fly there (certainly not gracefully).

As long as they have dry food and moisture to eat and they are in a dark/relatively dark place most of the day, it's not likely they will take flight.

Yes. Mealworm larvae and adult beetles can be kept in the refrigerator to slow their development. They will enter a quasi-dormant state when temperatures drop below 50-54F, and really shouldn't be stored below 45F.

HOWEVER: Most household refrigerators are at least 10 degrees colder than that. If you choose to store them in a refrigerator, be sure to follow the instructions above on caring for mealworms until you're ready to use them. Also expect some die-off to occur.

It's frass - a.k.a. bug poop. It is an excellent soil amendment, so don't throw it away. Put it on the soil of a potted houseplant, in or on the soil in a garden bed, or on the compost heap.

See below on precautions to take when applying frass, though, it can be an allergen to some people.

Yes. Live mealworms and beetles are nutritious and offer many benefits, but should be a supplemental food or treat. Think of it this way - fruits and vegetables are a nutritious part of a healthy human diet, but if all a person ate were apples and iceberg lettuce, they wouldn't have a healthy diet.

How many is too many, though, depends on how many and what kind of animals you are feeding them to. Consult a vet, or give us a call if you have a specific scenario in mind.

Frass is insect poop. It may also include tiny particles of shed exoskeletons and remnants of insect feed. It is rich in essential nutrients and beneficial organic matter, making it an all-natural soil amendment to support strong, healthy plant growth.

In short, mealworm frass is a simple, natural product to improve soil and help plants grow strong — without using synthetic chemicals.

Our mealworm frass is an all-natural product, sustainably harvested from our mealworm farm.

There is a growing body of research demonstrating the benefits of mealworm frass for plants and soil. Work on application rates for specific crops and use scenarios continues.

In the meantime, these are suggestions gathered from a variety of sources. Try and see - and do let us know how it goes!

• For garden beds: Mix 1-2 cups of frass per square foot into the top 3-6 inches of soil.
• For potted plants: Combine 1 part frass with 3 parts potting soil, or sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons on the soil and water thoroughly.
• For lawns: Spread 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet and lightly rake it in. Water thoroughly.
• Can be used for compost tea, potting pre-mix, foliar spray, and top-dressing trees, shrubs, and established beds.

Be on the lookout for our upcoming guide on how to apply mealworm frass in different scenarios and use cases.

Frass can be an allergen to some people. It's consistency is also akin to fine sand particles. For these reasons, it's best to:

• wear gloves and an N95 mask when applying frass,
• avoid applying it outside on a windy day,
• wash hands after use, and (obviously)
• don't eat it.

Note: People who are allergic to shellfish seem to be more likely than others to have allergies to mealworms and mealworm frass.

It's nutrient-rich:
Mealworm frass contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - nutrients that plants need to grow. These nutrients are released slowly, making them easier for plants to absorb over time.

It supports healthy soil life:

Frass helps good microbes in the soil thrive. These microbes break down organic matter and help plants get nutrients more easily.

It improves plant resilience:

Plants grown with frass often handle stress like drought better. That’s because frass contains natural compounds that trigger plant defenses.

It's sustainable:
Frass is a byproduct of insect farming, so using it helps reduce waste and upcycle a valuable natural product in an eco-friendly way.

NPK ratio varies based on the insects' diet and other factors. Typical ranges are:

• Nitrogen (N): 2-5%
• Phosphorus (P): 1.5 - 2.6%
• Potassium (K): 1.1 - 2%

When test results from our frass samples are available, we'll post those values here.

Yes. These nutrients are also typically present in mealworm frass:

Macronutrients: calcium, magnesium, and sulfur

Micronutrients: copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and sodium

The total organic carbon (TOC) content range of mealworm frass is 39% - 49%. Again, insect diet and rearing conditions influence the TOC range. When integrated into the soil, the favorable organic matter content of frass contributes to improved soil structure and microbial activity.

We think it’s better for the insects and the animals they nourish.

With unpredictable weather, no way to control how the insects are treated en route, and the many unknowns once they leave our farm, we prefer to stay local and offer the absolute best products to those we can reach directly.

We are, however, evaluating overnight and 2nd day air options. Please let us know if you’re interested in these faster delivery options.

Free pickup is available in downtown Overland Park and at local events. Select the pickup location at checkout.

Downtown Overland Park: Pickup by appointment at 7990 Conser, opposite the InterUrban ArtHouse. Same-day pickup is often available - call or text in advance to inquire. Please include your mobile phone number in the order notes at checkout to confirm pickup time.

At local events: Spring through fall, we participate in a variety of local events across the metro and surrounding counties. Check our website and Instagram to find us each week. Order by 6 pm the day before an event to receive your order the following day. Please include your mobile phone number in the order notes at checkout.

We deliver to pre-arranged locations in several Kansas Counties (Johnson, Douglas, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte), where you come to meet us and collect your order.

You'll need to add Delivery to your cart before checkout, and select Payment on Delivery as your payment method. This ensures the correct sales tax rate is applied.

Be sure to add your mobile phone number in the order notes field at checkout so delivery time can be confirmed.

Due to the programming on the platform hosting our website, Local Pickup will appear on your order even if you've added Pre-arranged Delivery to your cart. It will not affect your order.

Find our current delivery schedule here.

Beginning late-summer 2025, there will be delivery points on the Missouri side of the KC metro. See eligible counties and communities here.

We update our routes regularly so definitely let us know where you would like to see a new stop.

If your community is along our regular route we can add a stop anytime. If not, we can add one when enough orders are placed to make the cost feasible.

Because it is the most consistent method for communicating what you get at each product price point.

Mealworms that are roughly 3/4" long (range 5/8" to 7/8") can vary in weight by as much as 0.02 g or more. While that sounds negligible, it really adds up when multiplied over large quantities. For example:

• 500 larvae weighing 0.04 g each = 20 g.
• 500 larvae weighing 0.05 g each = 25g.
• 500 larvae weighing 0.06 g each = 30g.

Purchasing larger quantities? Even 0.005 g variation or less across 1,000 or more larvae makes a difference:

• 1,000 @ 0.05 = 50 g while 1,000 @ 0.055 = 55 g
• 10,000 @ 0.050 = 500 g while 10,000 @ 0.051 = 510 g 

We prefer that you get a consistent weight with a variable number of larvae, rather than the reverse. This ensures that price and quantity received are consistent each time you order.   

That said, we do size our larvae at harvest to keep sizes as consistent as possible and provide the estimated number of larvae per container for those who do need a particular number of larvae for pets and other animals.

For those who are now well down this rabbit hole: most folks who sell insects by count are using it as a proxy for weight, anyway (perhaps as a way of skirting regulations for selling any product by weight). Yet there is no industry accepted protocol for taking samples of mealworm larvae to use in calculations (e.g. 1 set of 50? 2 sets of 50? 10 sets of 10? 10 sets of 25?). In the end, folks using that method tend to throw in an extra margin just to be sure.

With us, you get the same weight each time (though we do add a little extra just in case a few don’t make it).

Yes, there is equipment that can count individual live mealworm larvae to get the precise number needed in each container, but it is *very* expensive and used in only a few of the largest producers in the country. (We know of only 2 in the US.)

It's a tax thing. Both Kansas and Missouri charge sales tax based on where an order is received. Sales tax rates can vary even within a city or zip code, so it's just easier to collect in person where the payment device can apply the correct tax rate. Otherwise, a second transaction with a small correction might be required.

We're planning to address that in future iterations of the website, but for now, it's the best option available to us.

We’re a small, urban farm serving local communities in northeast Kansas, northwest Missouri, and Greater KC. Our insects and plant health products are available at select retailers in the area and directly from us. Each week, spring through fall, we take part in events across the area - native plant sales, farmer’s markets, special events, etc. You can follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our email list, or check our website to find us in person at a local event.

Frass can be shipped in the US, but we do not ship live insects. We offer free local pickup and pre-arranged delivery to delivery points throughout the KC metro.

As long as we’re available, we’d be happy to! Send us an email via the CONTACT page, provide the details and how to reach you, and we’ll try to make it work.

Live insects cannot be returned. Please open the container when you take delivery to verify that the mealworms or beetles are healthy and robust.

We harvest mealworms no more than 24 hours before delivery. They are given several hours to take moisture before being put into a breathable container with a supply of fresh food.

Please call or email us as soon as possible to let us know about the situation. We’ll do whatever we can to make it right.

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