Ordering live mealworms online is a convenient way to ensure your pets always have a fresh, nutritious food source. Since mealworms are a perishable product, it’s important to understand how they’re shipped, received, and cared for upon arrival to ensure they arrive healthy and ready for feeding.
Shipping Live Mealworms
Our live mealworms are farm-raised and carefully packaged for safe delivery. When ready to ship, they’re placed in a breathable mesh bag with newspaper to keep them separated during transit. Depending on your local weather conditions, we recommend adding cold packs (for temperatures above 85°F) or heat packs (for below 32°F) to maintain a moderate temperature during shipment. These packs help protect your mealworms for the first 12 hours of transit.
To improve survival rates, we strongly suggest:
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Adding cold packs or heat packs to your order
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Choosing the fastest shipping method available
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Having someone available to receive the delivery immediately
For guaranteed live arrival, select Next Day Service, which includes our Live Arrival Guarantee. Other shipping methods are available, but slower transit times increase the risk of loss due to temperature extremes.
Preparing for Delivery
Before your mealworms arrive, set up a proper storage container—about the size of a shoebox—with 2–3 inches of Mealworm Keeper as bedding. This substrate also doubles as a food source and should be replaced once it’s eaten. Choose a smooth-sided plastic or glass container with a ventilated lid to prevent overheating and pest infestation.
Upon Arrival
Once your mealworms arrive, transfer them from the cloth bag into the prepared container. Provide moisture using small pieces of raw potatoes or carrots, and add Thirsty Cricket Gel for a safe, calcium-fortified water source. Avoid regular water dishes, as mealworms can easily drown.
After 24 hours at room temperature, you can refrigerate them (45–50°F) to keep them dormant and extend their lifespan for up to 10 weeks.
Feeding & Gutloading Mealworms
To maximize your pet’s nutrition, “gutload” your mealworms before feeding. Mix Mealworm Chow with Mealworm Keeper at a 1:9 ratio to boost protein, calcium, and vitamins. Offer gutloaded worms to your pets within a day for the best results.
If you’re interested in breeding mealworms yourself, check out our Mealworm Breeder Kit for a complete setup and care guide.
Long-Term Storage & Maintenance
Each week, remove the mealworms from the refrigerator for 24 hours, add fresh vegetables and Thirsty Cricket, then return them to cold storage. This keeps them healthy and ready for feeding over several weeks.
By understanding what to expect when ordering and caring for live mealworms, you’ll ensure your pets receive the freshest, most nutritious feeder insects possible. Explore our full selection of live mealworms, Mealworm Keeper, Mealworm Chow, Thirsty Cricket, and Breeder Kits on our website to get started today.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult an experienced breeder.
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