Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How long are mealworms good when kept in the fridge (original container packed with sawdust). The only store in my area that has mealworms is Petco (I've checked bait shops too) and there is no date on the containers. They said they get them in weekly, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm getting the fresh batch. Anyway, assuming they're fresh, how long can I keep them in my fridge before they aren't good anymore? (I also gut load 24-48 hours first). Thank you.

-Denise

THANK YOU FOR CHECKING FIRST!!!!

I can usually keep my mealworms up to two and half or three weeks. You can tell because you will start to get ones that are dead or a real dark (maybe even black) color. I keep my fridge kind of warm (since I only use it for soda, mealworms, and bearded dragon plants). I think if I went much colder it would kill them faster.
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Brian Skibinski
Milwaukee Reptiles
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com

I'll check their appearance and not stock more than a 2-3 week supply and see how it goes.

I would Totally suggest setting up a culture!!! I was hesitant at first because I didnt want to be fussing over a bunch of bugs, but it has really payed off, I went to a LPS and bought out all of their mealies (200), brought them home and housed them in oatmeal and chicken feed. within a week I had beetles and now I see them "mating" all the time, and have found a couple tiny little worms (seriously the most excited about worms i have EVER been ) so I;m well on my way to be self-sustaining! Its actually quite rewarding!
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0.1.0. Leo
1.1.0. WTF
0.1.0. Irish Setter
2.2.0. Holland Lop Bunnies
1.1.0. House Cats
Too Many Fish!

I've read earlier posts about making your own mealworms and the whole idea of beetles and mealworms multiplying in my house completely grosses me out!!! No offense I only have 1 Leo so I think I'll stick with picking up the prepackaged "cold" ones a couple times a month Thanks for the advice though!

Try breeding roaches by the thousands for your leos. It STILL grosses me out. lol
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5.8 leopard geckos

chickabowwow

I still can't deal with roaches... ewww... lol
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Brian Skibinski
Milwaukee Reptiles
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com

keeping mealies in the fridge has it ups and its downs..ups are they last longer and dont gross people out..obviously

downs are when left cold for long periods of time they loos their nutritional value, mealworms are much better to feed than crickets, but their nutritional value when left un-gutloaded is about 0.1, feeding the mealworms carrots potato and sweet potato gives it a value up to about 0.25, much better, if there kept cold..they dont recieve this and your leopard doesnt get the needed vitamins and minerals, just dusting with calcium powder isnt enough

I have a 3 year old grandson who, upon seeing me digging out crickets for my lizards, exclaimed, "Ewww, grandma's playing with bugs!" lol I still won't pick up superworms with just my fingers. Just creepy, the way they move.

Leslie