How to Start Mealworm Farming (Beginner Guide)
Mealworm farming is a low-investment indoor farming method that can be started at home with very little space. It is one of the easiest farming options for beginners because it does not require land, sunlight, or expensive equipment.
This guide explains how to start mealworm farming step by step, using simple methods suitable for Pakistan. By following this process, beginners can avoid common mistakes and build a stable, manageable setup.
Step 1: Understand the Mealworm Life Cycle
Before starting mealworm farming, it is important to understand how mealworms grow and reproduce.
The mealworm life cycle has four stages:
Egg → Larva (mealworm) → Pupa → Beetle
The larva stage is raised for harvesting and selling
Adult beetles are kept only for egg production
Maintaining all stages together ensures continuous mealworm production
Understanding the life cycle helps you plan feeding, breeding, and harvesting correctly.
Step 2: Choose the Right Space for Mealworm Farming
Mealworm farming is done indoors and does not require farmland or sunlight.
An ideal space for mealworm farming should have:
A small room, store area, or quiet corner of the house
Clean and dry conditions
No direct sunlight
Proper airflow
Even a single shelf or small rack is enough to start mealworm farming at home.
Step 3: Arrange Basic Equipment
One advantage of mealworm farming is that it does not require expensive tools.
A basic mealworm farming setup includes:
Plastic trays (3–4 inches deep)
Wheat bran as the main feed
Starter mealworms or beetles
Breathable mesh cloth for tray covers
Digital thermometer (recommended)
Always start with a small setup and expand only after gaining experience.
Step 4: Set Up the Mealworm Trays
Proper tray setup plays a major role in healthy growth.
Add 1.5–2 inches of wheat bran to each tray
Spread mealworms evenly across the surface
Place small pieces of carrot or potato for moisture
Cover trays with mesh to allow airflow
Avoid overcrowding, as it creates heat and stress
Clean and organized trays lead to better growth and lower losses.
Step 5: Maintain the Right Environment
Mealworms grow best in stable indoor conditions.
Recommended environment:
Temperature: 24–28°C
Humidity: 40–60%
Light: low or indirect
Check trays daily for spoiled food, but avoid unnecessary handling.
Step 6: Feeding Mealworms Correctly
Wheat bran is the primary mealworm feed and should always be available in the tray.
Important feeding guidelines:
Keep wheat bran dry and loose
Replace bran if it becomes damp or clumped
Never add water directly to trays
Provide moisture only through vegetables
Remove old vegetable pieces within 24 hours
Correct feeding prevents mold, mites, and slow growth.
Step 7: Managing Moisture and Cleanliness
Excess moisture is one of the most common problems in mealworm farming.
To control moisture:
Use very small vegetable pieces
Never spray water inside trays
Remove wet or spoiled feed immediately
A clean and dry environment reduces disease and improves survival.
Step 8: Breeding and Egg Production
Adult mealworm beetles lay eggs inside the wheat bran.
Basic breeding practices:
Keep beetle trays separate from larva trays
Avoid disturbing beetles frequently
Sift trays every few weeks to move eggs into new trays
This separation improves hatching success and larval growth.
Step 9: Mealworm Growth Timeline
Mealworms take time to grow. Growth speed depends on temperature, feed quality, and cleanliness.
General development timeline:
Eggs hatch in 7–14 days
Larvae grow for 8–10 weeks
Pupae develop in 1–2 weeks
Beetles live for several months
Stable conditions lead to predictable production cycles.
Step 10: Harvesting Mealworms
Mealworms are harvested once they reach a suitable size.
Harvesting tips:
Use a sieve to separate mealworms from bran
Leave smaller larvae to continue growing
Never harvest all mealworms from one tray
Balanced harvesting ensures continuous production.
Step 11: Scaling Mealworm Farming Safely
After understanding the process, you can slowly increase production.
Safe scaling methods:
Add trays gradually
Increase feed quantities slowly
Monitor temperature and cleanliness carefully
Expanding too fast often causes management problems.
Step 12: Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding vegetables
Overcrowding trays
Poor airflow
Ignoring temperature changes
Expecting quick profits
Mealworm farming rewards patience, observation, and consistency.
Final Advice for Beginners
Mealworm farming is best learned step by step. Start small, focus on hygiene, and observe your trays regularly. With experience, production becomes easier, more stable, and more predictable.