How to Store Feeder Insects: Keep Mealworms, Hornworms, and Roaches Alive Longer

Nothing’s worse than opening a container of dead feeders you spent good money on. Whether it’s superworms, hornworms, or discoid roaches, poor storage can quickly lead to wasted money, frustrated pets, and lost nutrition.

We once had a customer refrigerate superworms by mistake—only to find every last one dead the next day. Proper storage isn’t hard, but it does make all the difference. Healthy feeders mean healthy pets, and this guide will show you exactly how to keep your insects alive, thriving, and ready to deliver maximum nutrition.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Feeder insects are like living vitamins—if stored poorly, they lose their value. Improper storage can lead to:

• Premature deaths, costing you money.
• Mold and contamination that risks your pet’s health.
• Loss of hydration and nutrients that your pets rely on.

When stored correctly, mealworms, superworms, hornworms, and discoid roaches remain lively, nutritious, and ready to feed for weeks or months.

How to Store Mealworms (Keep Them Fresh for Months)

Wild Behavior: In the wild, mealworms burrow into cool, dry areas to slow their activity. Mimicking this behavior keeps them fresh for longer.
Temperature: Keep mealworms refrigerated at 45–50°F (7–10°C). At this temperature, they enter a dormant state, slowing their growth and extending their lifespan for up to 2–3 months.
Container: Use a ventilated container with a layer of oats or wheat bran as bedding.
Food and Water: Add slices of carrots or potatoes as a moisture source, but remove moldy pieces quickly.

Quick Tip: Never let mealworms sit in standing water—excess moisture can cause mold, leading to dead feeders.

How to Store Superworms (No Refrigeration Needed)

Wild Behavior: Superworms thrive in warm, dry conditions, often hiding under logs or loose soil. Refrigeration kills them, so keep them at room temperature.
Temperature: Store superworms at 70–80°F (21–26°C). Do not refrigerate them.
Container: Use a smooth-sided, ventilated plastic bin with bedding like oats or wheat bran.
Food and Water: Provide moisture with small slices of carrots, squash, or apples. Replace leftovers regularly to prevent mold.

Quick Tip: Superworms are notorious for cannibalism when overcrowded. Give them plenty of space to thrive.

How to Store Hornworms (Slow Their Growth)

Wild Behavior: Hornworms naturally grow rapidly on plants, but you can slow their growth by controlling temperature.
Temperature: Keep hornworms at 55–65°F (13–18°C) to slow their development. Warmer temperatures will cause them to grow and pupate quickly.
Container: Use a commercial hornworm cup with proper ventilation and a pre-made food medium.
Food and Water: Hornworms come with food, so no additional feeding is needed.

Quick Tip: Place an ice pack near the container (without freezing it) to further slow hornworm growth if needed.

How to Store Discoid Roaches (Escape-Proof Containers)

Wild Behavior: Roaches are survivors, thriving in warm, dark spaces with plenty of food and moisture.
Temperature: Keep discoid roaches at 75–85°F (24–29°C). Cooler temperatures will slow their activity but may shorten their lifespan.
Container: Use a ventilated, escape-proof plastic bin with egg cartons or cardboard for climbing surfaces.
Food and Water: Provide fresh vegetables like carrots, squash, and leafy greens. Use water crystals or a damp sponge for hydration—avoid open water, as roaches can drown.

Quick Tip: Clean out leftover food regularly to keep their environment free of mold and bacteria.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding: Crowded superworms will turn on each other, and overcrowded mealworms suffocate easily. Always size your container appropriately.
Lack of Ventilation: Poor airflow causes humidity to build up, leading to mold and suffocation. Use containers with breathable lids.
Improper Temperatures: Refrigerating superworms or overheating mealworms leads to quick deaths. Know the temperature needs for each feeder.
Ignoring Hygiene: Moldy vegetables and unclean containers create an unhealthy environment that reduces feeder quality. For example, leaving rotting carrots with discoid roaches can attract bacteria.

FAQs

How often should I feed my stored feeder insects?
Feed mealworms and superworms every few days with small slices of vegetables. Hornworms come with food, but roaches need fresh vegetables regularly.

Can I freeze feeder insects?
Freezing kills live feeders and reduces their nutritional value. If you need frozen options, purchase insects that are specifically prepared for freezing.

How long do feeder insects last?

• Mealworms: Up to 2–3 months refrigerated.
• Superworms: 2–4 weeks at room temperature.
• Hornworms: 1–2 weeks when kept cool.
• Discoid Roaches: Several months with proper care.

What’s the best way to gut-load feeders before feeding?
Gut-loading means feeding insects nutritious foods like dark leafy greens, carrots, and gut-load formulas for 24–48 hours before feeding them to your pets. This ensures maximum nutrients transfer to your animal.

Conclusion

Proper storage keeps your feeders alive, healthy, and full of nutrients—saving you money and giving your pets the best care possible. Healthy feeders mean thriving pets. By following the steps above, you’ll extend the life of your mealworms, superworms, hornworms, and discoid roaches, ensuring your pets get the freshest, most nutritious meals.

At All Angles Creatures, we provide fresh, high-quality feeders that are easy to store and perfect for your pet’s needs. Shop now to stock up on healthy, lively feeders that your pets will love.