How to identify and get rid of mealworms

Let's talk about mealworms – those uninvited critters that seem to love our pantries as much as we do! If you've ever found these little wrigglers in your cereal box, you know they’re more than just a nuisance; they’re a full-fledged snack-ruining squad.

Mealworms aren’t worms at all, but darkling beetles. While they are normally raised to feed pets, like reptiles and birds, sometimes they can find their way into stored products like flour, oatmeal, grains, or dried fruit. They can quickly ruin your food and females can lay up to 500 eggs at one time. That leads to a big problem if left unchecked for too long.

While they look like wriggling worms, mealworms are actually the younger version of darkling beetles. They typically have a long, segmented body with 6 small legs near their head.

In terms of color, mealworms are generally golden-brown, which can vary slightly depending on their diet and environment. They also have a round head with small, black eyes.

How big are mealworms?

Mealworms are between 1/8th inch to 1 inch long.

What other pests look like mealworms?

Not very many other pests look like mealworms, but the buffalo worm or lesser mealworm can be mistaken for mealworms. However, the buffalo worm is much smaller and darker.

Apart from pantries, kitchens, and food storage areas, mealworms are typically found near damp, moldy, or rotten materials. This can include under leaf litter or rotten vegetation.

Mealworms can become a problem in food products if they are not stored properly. The best way to keep your food uncontaminated is to seal up cereals, grains, flour, or oatmeal in an airtight container.

Mealworms have been known to chew through cardboard and paper packaging, so metal or plastic containers are best.

If you find mealworms in your stored food products, discard the food immediately. You can also freeze the infected food to prevent any new infestations from hatched eggs. Make sure to clean up any food spills as well.

Here are a few tips to prevent mealworms from coming inside your home:

• Remove organic material from around the perimeter of your home (leaves, compost, old vegetation)
• Seal any cracks or gaps around your house
• Establish a bug barrier with a perimeter spray inside and outside the home

Pestie offers a pro-grade, DIY solution that is delivered to your home. In just 10 minutes, you can protect your home from mealworms and other insect invaders.