How to raise yellow mealworms for high and stable yields? Master these key tips

1. Temperature and humidity are the conditions for high and stable yields. The most basic conditions for raising yellow mealworms are temperature and humidity. Growth is normal at a temperature of 20-35°C and a humidity of 60-70%. When farmers raise the temperature in winter, most can raise it above 20°C during the day, but at night it generally drops by 4-5°C. Yellow mealworms grow slowly below 15°C. If the temperature cannot be kept above 20°C at night, no matter how much feed they eat during the day they will not gain weight, and no matter how much coal is burned it is wasted. The ratio of feed and coal put in to output equals zero. Therefore, keeping the room temperature above 20°C both day and night in winter is most critical.

Improper humidity can easily cause yellow mealworm deaths, especially at the pupation stage. When humidity is too high, the pupae rot; when it is too low, the pupae fail to emerge. Methods to solve low humidity: (1) sprinkle water in the breeding room; (2) adjust the frequency of water supplementation; (3) increase the water content of the main feed. Methods to solve high humidity include: (1) open the windows for ventilation when the temperature is high. (2) install an exhaust fan when the temperature is low. (3) place quicklime, charcoal and other moisture-absorbing materials in the breeding room; if conditions are good, a dehumidifier can be used. 2. Feed is the prerequisite for high and stable yields. Poor feed not only affects the growth of yellow mealworms but can also cause large-scale deaths. Vegetable leaves that have been sprayed with pesticides must not be fed, and wheat bran mixed with talcum powder must not be fed. Main feed and secondary feed should be reasonably matched. When feeding wheat bran, green feed should be fed along with it, and then, depending on the humidity in the breeding room, green feed should be given additionally. When humidity is too high, feed green feed once every 4-5 days; when humidity is too low, feed it once every other day. When feeding green feed, it should be spread evenly so that all the worms can eat it. If there is no main feed left in the feed box and only worm feces remain, green feed must absolutely not be fed. 3. The number and nutrition of adults are the key to high and stable yields. Adults need supplemental nutrition when laying eggs; insufficient nutrition will shorten their lifespan and reduce output. When adults are laying eggs, there must be sufficient feed; green feed must be renewed every day, and a multivitamin should be fed once a week. In this way, not only are the egg-laying rate and hatching rate increased, but the worms produced are also fat and strong. The lifespan of adults is 60-90 days. The number of adults must not decrease and should be replenished in time, that is, select individuals with strong activity and large size from the commercial worms to supplement the adults. Generally, for every 50 kg of breeding stock purchased, at least 15-20 kg of adults should be maintained; in this way, output will remain stable. 4. The hatching rate is the decisive factor for high and stable yields. Methods to increase the hatching rate: (1) set up a dedicated hatching room where the temperature can be controlled and kept at 25°C, so the hatching rate can reach above 90%; (2) maintain the humidity required for hatching; (3) promptly pick out the adults from the egg boxes to prevent the adults from eating the eggs.