If you have ingested a worm along with your sunflower seeds, chances are, it was dead. Even if it were alive, you needn’t worry. Besides causing you to be grossed out, the worm you found in your bag of sunflower seeds cannot harm you. The worm that you swallowed was likely the larvae of the Indian meal moth and it will not effect your digestive system in any way.

The Indian meal moth does not have any known diseases, it doesn’t carry any known parasites, and it does it carry any harmful pathogens. This larvae or worm is made up of mostly protein and niacin. Other similar insects that could end up in your bag of sunflower seeds include the flour beetle and the sawtooth grain beetle. These insects are harmless as well.

About the Indian Meal Moth

The Indian meal moth’s scientific name is Plodia interpunctata Huber, order Lepidoptera. The moths are 3/8 to ½-inch long with two-toned wings folded over its back. The wings are pale gray with reddish-brown ends. The caterpillars are off-white with brown heads and they grow to ½-inches long. The caterpillars may become greenish, pinkish, yellowish or brownish in color.

The female Indian meal moth lays its eggs in suitable larval food. It may take from 27-305 days for the egg to develop into an adult. Seven or eight generations may occur in a year. The caterpillars hatch from eggs and produce silk tunnels to protect themselves while feeding. Larval development varies depending on type of food and temperature. The caterpillars have chewing mouthparts that chew through Indian meal, flour, whole wheat, cornmeal, shelled corn, dried fruit, seeds, crackers, biscuits, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, candy, red peppers, and all types of pet food.

While medically harmless, finding moths flying around the home can be annoying. This is an indication of a breeding population in the home. The caterpillars can also be found crawling on ceilings and walls in search of a place to spin a cocoon. When found in food, you might also notice the caterpillars’ loose silk mat on the top surface of the food.

Not to be mistaken for the clothes moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) which does not have two-tones wings, but rather uniform gray wings, the Indian meal moth is easy to kill. Al it takes is time and patience. If you suspect that you might have an Indian meal moth infestation, check all opened boxed (or plastic bag) food in your pantry for moths, caterpillars or webbing. If you find any of the three, discard the food. This means throw it in a garbage bag and take it outside immediately.

For any remaining unopened food products, put them in the freezer until you are ready to use. Keep in mind that freezing for a few days kills all stages of the moth. It’s unlikely that the moths can penetrate through cardboard boxes, but it is possible for them to chew through very thin plastic. Don’t forget to check all shelving and surrounding areas in your pantry and cupboards.

If you need some help with locating the infestation, pheromone traps may be helpful. The traps can help locate the general area of the infestation down to a room or a closet. They might even help to eliminate small infestations. Pheromone traps will last anywhere from one to three months. Simply place them in several locations for maximum benefits. Continue to replace the traps until you notice that the traps are free from captured months.

If you want to avoid eating anymore of these protein packed creatures, simply check the inside of any boxed food products before chewing them or cooking them up. This is very easy to do. You can pour the contents into a large mixing bowl and sift through it or pour the contents into a strainer and sift. The same goes for pet food, as meal moths tend to lay eggs in bags or boxes of cat and dog food as well.

Note: Using insecticides in the kitchen or pantry is dangerous, so be ruthless in your search for the Indian meal moth and you will be successful at eliminating them without having to resort to using harmful chemicals.

Freeze-dried mealworms have a number of advantages and disadvantages over live mealworms. According to PETCO, live mealworms are very difficult to maintain in captivity and they can be expensive. However, pets seem to prefer live mealworms to freeze-dried mealworms. Both types of worms are packed with protein, fat, and fiber, so it really comes down to what your pets will eat and what you can afford!

If you decide that live mealworms is the only way to go, you can purchase them at bait shops, pet stores, or online. You can also raise mealworms on your own. The following is a list of mealworm suppliers:

• Flukers, 800-735-8537
• Ghann’s Cricket Farm, Inc., 800-GROBAIT – 800-476-2248
• GRUBCO phone or fax, 800-222-3563 (Ohio)
• Natures Way, 800-318-2611
• Rainbow Mealworms, 800-777-9676
• Songbird Gardens, 417-538-2990 8-5 CST
• Southeastern Insectaries, P.O. Box 1546, Perry, GA 31069, 877-967-6777
• Southern Cricket MI, 800-545-6418
• Sunshine Mealworms, 800-322-1100
• Timbuktu Outdoors (moist, freeze-dried), 888-732-2436
• Worm Man’s Worm Farm, 732-656-0369

To raise your own mealworms, Sialis.org offers the following tips:

Place large mealworms in a shallow plastic sweater container. Cut a hole in the top for ventilation and use a hot glue gun to adhere window screen to it to keep critters out.

Add 2-3″ of bedding/food: wheat bran, or a 3:1 ratio of wheat bran to dried skim milk, or 4 layers: 1/4″ layers of chicken mash (non-medicated) separated by layers of burlap or newspaper, or 10 parts oat or wheat kernels, 10 parts whole wheat flour, 1 part wheat germ or powdered milk; and 1 part brewers yeast.
For moisture, add a small wedge of cabbage or half a potato. Put it on top of a paper towel or piece of newspaper to keep bedding dry. Replace vegetable at least weekly or if moldy.

Ideally, keep at around 80°F (room temperature is fine too) and around 70% relative humidity. Use a moistened sponge in a baggie/container (open side up above grain) for additional moisture.

Periodically, (e.g., every 1 to 2 weeks) sift out beetles from bedding with eggs/tiny worms. Once worms are big enough, sift frass (waste) and bedding out once a month, dispose of in garden, wash and dry container, return worms and add new food.

To learn more about mealworms, read our article How to Control and Prevent Mealworms
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Larvae of the Moth Fly

If you have ever unpacked a storage bin or chest filled with clothes only to find a bunch of holes in them, chances are the larvae of a tiny moth attacked your duds. And not just any larvae, but the larvae of a strange and annoying type of house pest called the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionela).

The larvae of a case-bearing clothes moth look like worms and they are white in color. They carry around a case that can reach up to 10 mm in length — a case that’s usually made from a combination of self-made silk and the very materials they feed on. While the larvae consumes a hearty diet of dried plant and animal material outdoors, they also feed on carpets, clothing, and general debris in the household as well as dried cereal and vegetable matter. They are likely to feed on wool and cotton, but rarely will they feed on nylon, acrylic, or polyester. In fact, they prefer not to gnaw on any type of synthetic fibers.

The larvae or caterpillars of the case-bearing clothes moth are among the few insects that have the ability to digest the keratin of feathers and hairs. It’s insatiable appetite for fabric, cereal and plant and vegetable matter make the case-bearing clothes moth larvae a serious household pest. Because of this, it is important to get rid of them before your home becomes infested. There are many ways to prevent and kill case-bearing clothes moth and its larvae.

If you notice a worm-like bug with a shell crawling along your walls or anywhere on the ground, chances it’s the larvae of the case-bearing clothes moth and there are plenty more where that one came from. To inspect for damage, which is a good indication of an infestation, begin by checking your cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, and storage areas. You should also inspect your carpeting (especially undisturbed areas), behind and under furniture, and in stored linen, such as in the linen closet.

After inspection, if you notice damage, holes or larvae, there are several ways to kill them. Insecticides such as Insect Guard are effective as well as pesticide free clothes moth traps. There are also al number of sprays available that can be used in carpet and around furniture to kill and/or repel the clothes moth and its larvae. Visit any local hardware store to find the best spray or call an exterminator for professional treatment.

The following tips should help to prevent a case-bearing clothes moth infestation.

·Dry-clean or launder woolens and other susceptible fabrics before storing. The case-bearing clothes moth prefers dirty fabrics, such as fabrics soaked in perspiration and urine. Cleaning these fabrics before storing actually kills any eggs and larvae that may be present. Once cleaned, seal all clothing in plastic. The moth cannot penetrate plastic.

·Susceptible fibers may also be treated with special mothproofing liquids, so speak with your local dry cleaner about options.

·If at all possible, purchase carpets and furniture made from synthetic fibers and be sure to keep them clean.

·To take it a step further; inspect roof spaces to make sure there are no bird nests present. Bird nests are perfect places for moths to hide and lay their eggs.

·Vacuuming works wonders, so be sure to keep your carpets vacuumed at all times. Vacuuming helps to remove debris that can actually support future infestations. Vacuum dark areas and underneath furniture where larvae like to feed and moths are likely to hide away from the light. Dispose of the contents of the vacuum bag immediately.

·Freeze-treatment is also an effective way to kill eggs. If you have small objects that can fit into a zip lock bag, simply place the item in the bag and freeze it for a week to kill larvae and eggs. After a week, clean the objects thoroughly.

About Moth Flies (larvae)

If you’ve noticed small worm-like creatures crawling around on your bathroom floor or around the drains in your sinks, chances are they are the larvae of the moth fly. Moth flies, also called drain flies, filter flies, or sewer flies, are grayish or dark. They have hundreds of fine hairs covering the wings and the body. You can find moth flies resting indoors with their wings held over their bodies, like a roof. They can be found resting on bathroom walls and around drain-like surfaces. The larvae are less than ¼ of an inch long. They have small suction discs along their bellies to help suction to slippery surfaces. They have a distinct head and a somewhat flattened body. They do not have legs.

The larvae of moth flies like to hang around drains, within drains, underneath drain plugs and screens, and inside of pipes. They feed on the gelatinous film found in these areas of bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets and well as kitchen sinks.

Moth flies develop through four stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Moth flies have many generations each year and they occur anytime of the year in moist coastal regions – indoors and outdoors. Moth flies are common outdoors during the winter and spring months in California – mainly the interior areas.

If you want to avoid a moth fly infestation, there are several management methods you can use. You should screen windows and doors and reduce moisture and organic debris. To keep moth flies from multiplying, fix leaking plumbing immediately. You should also clean muck that collects in drains or under dripping taps, and brush or wash away slime under drain plugs, screens, and inside the top of drainpipes, above the water level in the J-trap.

Biological control agents are also available for outdoor use as well as insecticides. B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a popular biological control agent. It is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces poisons, which cause disease in insects. B.t. is considered ideal for pest management because of its specificity to pests and because of its lack of toxicity to humans or the natural enemies of many crop pests. Trade names include Acrobe, Bactospeine, Berliner (variety kurstaki), Certan (variety aizawai), Dipel, Javelin, Leptox, Novabac, Teknar (variety israelensis), Thuricide, and Victory. Insecticides can be used outdoors, but they are not recommended for use in the home.

About Immature Millipedes

If you’ve ever seen a worm-like creature, with what appears to be more than 100 legs, racing across your kitchen floor, chances are it wasn’t really a worm. While it’s easy to mistake these leggy creatures for worms due to their elongated segmented-like bodies, the more accurate you are at identifying them, the better you will be at controlling a possible infestation. This worm-like creature can pass for a worm if you’re not paying attention, but the truth is, it’s actually an immature millipede.

When millipedes first hatch, they only have around three pairs of legs, giving the appearance of a worm. Keep in mind that the millipede’s legs multiply rather rapidly. Additional millipede legs grow after each molt. Millipede eggs are either white, creamy yellow, or brown. They are smooth and spherical, and toughly 0.4 mm in diameter. Because of a sticky secretion, millipede eggs adhere in clusters. Millipede larvae are smaller than adults, of course.

Adult Millipedes

Adult millipedes range in color from gray to brown. These arthropods are worm-like with cylindrical bodies. They are typically 13 to 38 mm long with a pair of short antennae. The adult millipede has at least 30 pairs of legs, although it can look like they have much more. So much more that the millipede earned the nicknames thousand-legged worm, thousand-legged spider, and hundred-legged worm. Millipedes have a large number of segments with at least two legs attached to most body segments. While it may look like millipedes mover at warp speed, they actually move very slowly as their legs move in a wave-like motion.

Although millipedes and centipedes may look alike at first glance, a second look will reveal many differences. Centipedes have flattened bodies and a pair of long, slender antennae. They also have a pair of claws just behind the head. Centipedes have roughly 15 pairs of long legs and only one pair on most of its body segments. Centipedes are the faster of the two, so they are tougher to catch.

Where Millipedes Live and What they Eat

Millipedes (and centipedes) live in just about every part of the world. Millipedes prefer to live in dark, damp places, while centipedes prefer places where they can hunt for insects and spiders. The millipede prefers to eat moist, decaying organic matter. Chances are, most people will come across a millipede and not a centipede, specifically the greenhouse millipede.

What Damages can Millipedes cause?

The types of millipedes and centipedes that enter homes usually do not bite. They do feed on vegetation and they can do damage to turf. Just because millipedes don’t bite, this doesn’t mean that these arthropods are welcome visitors. If you see many of them in a short period of time, they can become a nuisance.

How to Control Millipedes

One of the easiest ways to control millipede populations is to take away their food and shelter source. If you destroy their feeding and breeding grounds they will hunt for another place to dine and reproduce. Other ways to control millipede populations in the home is to repair (seal) splits and cracks in foundation walls, and around doors, basement windows, and similar openings. Properly ventilated basements and crawl spaces are a turn off for millipedes (and centipedes) as well. And finally, some basic cleaning should help as well. If you remove food sources, clean, repair cracks, and destroy all food and shelter sources and you still see a millipede or two here and there, you can try chemical control. Visit any hardware or home and garden retailer to browse through a number of effective options.

If you have a pet bird and you are concerned about its diet, you can’t go wrong by feeding your bird a well-balanced diet consisting of a high-quality pellet mix from the pet store along with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you want to feed your pet bird a good source of protein, go right ahead. Just don’t feed it worms or insects that you might find crawling around in your backyard. These worms and insects may have been exposed to dangerous pesticides or other substances that could be hazardous to your bird.

Instead of finding insects and worms on your own, visit any pet store and ask for farm-raised insects such as mealworms or crickets. Fortunately, because these insects are the typical diet for pet reptiles or other exotic pets, they will be free of toxins. Continue reading to learn more about one of the most excellent sources of food for birds, fish, and reptiles — mealworms!

About Mealworms

There are several types of worms that can be used as bait for fish, reptiles, and birds. Two of the most popular types include the Bait Worm and the Meal Worm. Mealworms are the larva of the mealworm beetle, which is the species of darkling beetle. Because of their high protein content, mealworms are mostly used as a food source, but they can also be used for composting. The market for mealworms is so demanding that they can be purchased at just about any pet store. Mealworms come in large containers filled with bran or oatmeal.

Believe it or not, the market for bait worms is just as huge and the marker for meal worms in the U.S. and most other parts of the world. It is estimated that in the state of Maine alone, more than 200 tons of bait worms are produced each year and in the UK, more than 700 tons are produced each year for both commercial and personal use. Japan, on the other hand, actually imports more than 600 tons each year from around the world. The bait worm market overall is estimated in the billions and billions of dollars each year. Bait worms are typically used for fish bait, but they can also be used for personal use compost and/or in farming or commercial compost.

The most popular type of bait worm is the earthworm, specifically the “night crawler.” Night crawlers are typically found on the top of soil at night, hence the name “night crawler.” They are also called “dew worms” because their numbers tend to increase when the ground is moist. Night crawlers are quite large in size. They can measure up to ten inches in length and up to 0.39 inches in diameter. The night crawler, whose scientific name is Lumbricus terrestris, has a unique dark colored “head” with a light colored flattened tail. At first glance you won’t notice it, but the night crawlers body is covered with “setae,” which are tiny bristles that help the worm move through the dirt and it also helps the worm anchor it’s body when it comes time to protect itself against predators.

The night crawler has a protein packed segmented body. Each segment is filled with fluid and the segments surround the worm’s digestive tract. The digestive tract is the same length as the worm, whatever size he may be. The night crawler has a brain and hearts, but it has no eyes, ears, or lungs. They absorb oxygen through their smooth and slimy skin, which is always moist, and they “hear” through their ability to feel vibrations on the ground. Although they do not have eyes, night crawlers are very sensitive to light. If they remain in the light for too long, the results can be fatal. The same is true if the worm’s body dries out. In the sunlight, it is highly possible that the worm’s skin can dry out, so if they are not buried deep within the earth or the lower layers of top soil, during the day, they can be found under rocks or bricks or underneath leaves or debris.

Whether you are purchasing worms to use as bait or for compost or farming, you can purchase bait worms from just about anywhere. You can purchase them at pet stores, both large and small, from live bait and fish stores, and through literally hundreds of sellers and retailers online. Bait worms are relatively cheap too. You can expect to spend anywhere from $35-$50 for 500 live night crawlers in person or shipped to your door.

The female Indian meal moth lays its eggs in suitable larval food. It may take from 27-305 days for the egg to develop into an adult. Seven or eight generations may occur in a year. The caterpillars hatch from eggs and produce silk tunnels to protect themselves while feeding. Larval development varies depending on type of food and temperature. The caterpillars have chewing mouthparts that chew through Indian meal, flour, whole wheat, cornmeal, shelled corn, dried fruit, seeds, crackers, biscuits, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, candy, red peppers, and all types of pet food.

If you have ingested an Indian meal moth, don’t panic. Outside of ingesting some extra protein and niacin with your meal, the Indian meal moth does not have any known diseases, it doesn’t carry any known parasites nor does it carry any harmful pathogens. Other similar insects such as the flour beetle and the sawtooth grain beetle are harmless as well.

Other than being grossed out, you can rest easy knowing that the Indian meal moth will not cause any problems in your digestive system. If you want to avoid eating anymore of these protein packed creatures, simply check the inside of any boxed food products before cooking them up. This is very easy to do. You can pour the contents into a large mixing bowl and sift through it or pour the contents into a strainer and sift. The same goes for pet food as meal moths tend to lay eggs in bags or boxes of cat and dog food as well.

While medically harmless, finding moths flying around the home can be annoying. This is an indication of a breeding population in the home. The caterpillars can also be found crawling on ceilings and walls in search of a place to spin a cocoon. When found in food, you might also notice the caterpillar’s loose silk mat on the top surface of the food.

How to Get Rid of the Indian Meal Moth

Not to be mistaken for the clothes moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) which does not have two tone wings, but rather uniform gray wings, the Indian meal moth is easy to kill. All it takes is time and patience. If you suspect that you might have an Indian meal moth infestation, check all opened boxed (or plastic bag) food in your pantry for moths, caterpillars or webbing. If you find any of the three, discard the food. This means throw it in a garbage bag and take it outside immediately.

For any remaining unopened food products, put them in the freezer until you are ready to use. It is important to keep in mind that freezing food products for a few days kills all stages of the moth. It’s unlikely that the moths can penetrate through cardboard boxes, but it is possible for them to chew through very thin plastic. Don’t forget to check all shelving and surrounding areas in your pantry and cupboards.

If you need some help with locating the infestation, pheromone traps may be helpful. The traps can help locate the general area of the infestation down to a room or a closet. They might even help to eliminate small infestations. Pheromone traps will last anywhere from one to three months. Simply place them in several locations for maximum benefits. Continue to replace the traps until you notice that the traps are free from captured months.

Note: Using insecticides in the kitchen or pantry is dangerous, so be ruthless in your search for the Indian meal moth and you will be successful at eliminating them without having to resort to using harmful chemicals.

Other than being grossed out, you can rest easy knowing that the Indian meal moth will not wreak havoc on your system. If you want to avoid eating anymore of these protein packed creatures, simply check the inside of any boxed food products before cooking them up. This is very easy to do. You can pour the contents into a large mixing bowl and sift through it or pour the contents into a strainer and sift. The same goes for pet food as meal moths tend to lay eggs in bags or boxes of cat and dog food as well.

About the Indian Meal Moth

The Indian meal moth’s scientific name is Plodia interpunctata Huber, order Lepidoptera. The moths are 3/8 to ½-inch long with two-toned wings folded over its back. The wings are pale gray with reddish-brown ends. The caterpillars are off-white with brown heads and they grow to ½-inches long. The caterpillars may become greenish, pinkish, yellowish or brownish in color.

The female Indian meal moth lays its eggs in suitable larval food. It may take from 27-305 days for the egg to develop into an adult. Seven or eight generations may occur in a year. The caterpillars hatch from eggs and produce silk tunnels to protect themselves while feeding. Larval development varies depending on type of food and temperature. The caterpillars have chewing mouthparts that chew through Indian meal, flour, whole wheat, cornmeal, shelled corn, dried fruit, seeds, crackers, biscuits, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, candy, red peppers, and all types of pet food.

While medically harmless, finding moths flying around the home can be annoying. This is an indication of a breeding population in the home. The caterpillars can also be found crawling on ceilings and walls in search of a place to spin a cocoon. When found in food, you might also notice the caterpillars’ loose silk mat on the top surface of the food.

Not to be mistaken for the clothes moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) which does not have two-tones wings, but rather uniform gray wings, the Indian meal moth is easy to kill. Al it takes is time and patience. If you suspect that you might have an Indian meal moth infestation, check all opened boxed (or plastic bag) food in your pantry for moths, caterpillars or webbing. If you find any of the three, discard the food. This means throw it in a garbage bag and take it outside immediately.

For any remaining unopened food products, put them in the freezer until you are ready to use. Keep in mind that freezing for a few days kills all stages of the moth. It’s unlikely that the moths can penetrate through cardboard boxes, but it is possible for them to chew through very thin plastic. Don’t forget to check all shelving and surrounding areas in your pantry and cupboards.

If you need some help with locating the infestation, pheromone traps may be helpful. The traps can help locate the general area of the infestation down to a room or a closet. They might even help to eliminate small infestations. Pheromone traps will last anywhere from one to three months. Simply place them in several locations for maximum benefits. Continue to replace the traps until you notice that the traps are free from captured months.

Note: Using insecticides in the kitchen or pantry is dangerous, so be ruthless in your search for the Indian meal moth and you will be successful at eliminating them without having to resort to using harmful chemicals.

Blood worms are quite long, and they have a distinct head. Segmentation is pronounced on the abdomen. Prolegs or “leg like” projections are found on the first thoracic and last abdominal segments of the bloodworm. On the last abdominal segment, are the gills. On some blood worms, gills can also be found on the segment preceding the last segment. They have an average length of 6 mm/0.2 inches in length.

Blood worms have a special talent. They frequently build tubes of mud around themselves. The tubes may be may be attached to stones. Because blood worms are a favorite for fish, fishermen commonly use them for bait.

While the most recognizable physical characteristic of the bloodworm is its red color, not all midge larvae are red. Some are green and others may have blue bands. Green blood worms get their color from their environment. They typically frequent surface waters.

Where to Buy Blood worms

Frozen blood worms can be purchased through a number of online as well as freeze-dried. Simply search “buy blood worms” for results. They can also be purchased from just about any bait and tackle store. It is important to keep in mind that once defrosted, blood worms can accumulate bacteria. This can also happen if you thaw them, then refreeze them. This can be dangerous if you plan to feed them to your tropical fish.

About Mealworms

There are several types of worms that can be used as bait for fish, reptiles, and birds. Two of the most popular types of worms used as bait for fish, reptiles, and birds are the baitworm and the mealworm. Mealworms are the larva of the mealworm beetle, which is a species of darkling beetle. Because of their high protein content, mealworms are mostly used as a food source, but they can also be used for composting. The market for mealworms is so demanding that they can be purchased at just about any pet store. Mealworms come in large containers filled with bran or oatmeal.

Believe it or not, the market for baitworms is just as huge and the marker for meal worms in the U.S. and most other parts of the world. It is estimated that in the state of Maine alone, more than 200 tons of bait worms are produced each year and in the UK, more than 700 tons are produced each year for both commercial and personal use. Japan, on the other hand, actually imports more than 600 tons each year from around the world. The baitworm market overall is estimated in the billions and billions of dollars each year. Bait worms are typically used for fish bait, but they can also be used for personal use compost and/or in farming or commercial compost.

The most popular type of bait worm is the earthworm, specifically the “night crawler.” Night crawlers are typically found on the top of soil at night, hence the name “night crawler.” They are also called “dew worms” because their numbers tend to increase when the ground is moist. Night crawlers are quite large in size. They can measure up to ten inches in length and up to 0.39 inches in diameter. The night crawler, whose scientific name is Lumbricus terrestris, has a unique dark colored “head” with a light colored flattened tail. At first glance you won’t notice it, but the night crawlers body is covered with “setae,” which are tiny bristles that help the worm move through the dirt and it also helps the worm anchor it’s body when it comes time to protect itself against predators.

The night crawler has a protein packed segmented body. Each segment is filled with fluid and the segments surround the worm’s digestive tract. The digestive tract is the same length as the worm, whatever size he may be. The night crawler has a brain and hearts, but it has no eyes, ears, or lungs. They absorb oxygen through their smooth and slimy skin, which is always moist, and they “hear” through their ability to feel vibrations on the ground. Although they do not have eyes, night crawlers are very sensitive to light. If they remain in the light for too long, the results can be fatal. The same is true if the worm’s body dries out. In the sunlight, it is highly possible that the worm’s skin can dry out, so if they are not buried deep within the earth or the lower layers of top soil, during the day, they can be found under rocks or bricks or underneath leaves or debris.

Whether you are purchasing worms to use as bait or for compost or farming, you can purchase bait worms from just about anywhere. You can purchase them at pet stores, both large and small, from live bait and fish stores, and through literally hundreds of sellers and retailers online. Baitworms are relatively cheap too. You can expect to spend anywhere from $35-$50 for 500 live night crawlers in person or shipped to your door.

Mealworm Control and Prevention

Prevention

Mealworms are not always considered pests since some people raise them for fish and animal food. Because mealworms are raised for fish and animal food, they are not considered pests. If you feel that you have a mealworm infestation, however, there are several ways to control and prevent them.

·Use a good night-light to reduce beetle attraction and infestation indoors.
·Sanitation is one of the simplest means of controlling mealworms. If you have a significant amount of moist, dark, undisturbed areas that contain damp grain or milled cereals, you should eliminate them completely.
·In some cases, eggs and larvae of mealworms are accidentally eaten in cereals and breakfast foods. These infestations in foods and seeds can be eliminated by heating in a shallow pan in the oven at 130°F for 30 minutes or placed in a deep freeze at 0°F for seven days. It is important to keep in mind that seeds saved for planting may have the germination reduced after super heating or cooling.
·You can also collect individual mealworms with a broom and dustpan and crushing before disposal is useful.

Control

You can use pyrethrins (alone) or with a synergist to control mealworms. These chemicals have been used successfully for treatment of wooden floors or walls of empty granaries or warehouses. Insecticides labeled for mealworm control include:

·Pyrethrins (Pyrenone)
·Resmethrin (Synthrin)
·Silica gel (Drione, PT 230 Tri-Die)

When using insecticides, read the directions carefully and follow label directions to the letter. Always follow all safety precautions.

Other than being grossed out, you can rest easy knowing that the Indian meal moth will not wreak havoc on your system. If you want to avoid eating anymore of these protein packed creatures, simply check the inside of any boxed food products before cooking them up. This is very easy to do. You can pour the contents into a large mixing bowl and sift through it or pour the contents into a strainer and sift. The same goes for pet food as meal moths tend to lay eggs in bags or boxes of cat and dog food as well.

About the Indian Meal Moth

The Indian meal moth’s scientific name is Plodia interpunctata Huber, order Lepidoptera. The moths are 3/8 to ½-inch long with two-toned wings folded over its back. The wings are pale gray with reddish-brown ends. The caterpillars are off-white with brown heads and they grow to ½-inches long. The caterpillars may become greenish, pinkish, yellowish or brownish in color.

The female Indian meal moth lays its eggs in suitable larval food. It may take from 27-305 days for the egg to develop into an adult. Seven or eight generations may occur in a year. The caterpillars hatch from eggs and produce silk tunnels to protect themselves while feeding. Larval development varies depending on type of food and temperature. The caterpillars have chewing mouthparts that chew through Indian meal, flour, whole wheat, cornmeal, shelled corn, dried fruit, seeds, crackers, biscuits, nuts, powdered milk, chocolate, candy, red peppers, and all types of pet food.

While medically harmless, finding moths flying around the home can be annoying. This is an indication of a breeding population in the home. The caterpillars can also be found crawling on ceilings and walls in search of a place to spin a cocoon. When found in food, you might also notice the caterpillar’s loose silk mat on the top surface of the food.

Not to be mistaken for the clothes moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) which does not have two-toned wings, but rather uniform gray wings, the Indian meal moth is easy to kill. All it takes is time and patience. If you suspect that you might have an Indian meal moth infestation, check all opened boxed (or plastic bag) food in your pantry for moths, caterpillars or webbing. If you find any of the three, discard the food. This means throw it in a garbage bag and take it outside immediately.

For any remaining unopened food products, put them in the freezer until you are ready to use. Keep in mind that freezing for a few days kills all stages of the moth. It’s unlikely that the moths can penetrate through cardboard boxes, but it is possible for them to chew through very thin plastic. Don’t forget to check all shelving and surrounding areas in your pantry and cupboards.

If you need some help with locating the infestation, pheromone traps may be helpful. The traps can help locate the general area of the infestation down to a room or a closet. They might even help to eliminate small infestations. Pheromone traps will last anywhere from one to three months. Simply place them in several locations for maximum benefits. Continue to replace the traps until you notice that the traps are free from captured months.

Note: Using insecticides in the kitchen or pantry is dangerous, so be ruthless in your search for the Indian meal moth and you will be successful at eliminating them without having to resort to using harmful chemicals.

Believe it or not, the market for bait worms is just as huge and the marker for meal worms in the U.S. and most other parts of the world. It is estimated that in the state of Maine alone, more than 200 tons of bait worms are produced each year and in the UK, more than 700 tons are produced each year for both commercial and personal use. Japan, on the other hand, actually imports more than 600 tons each year from around the world. The bait worm market overall is estimated in the billions and billions of dollars each year. Bait worms are typically used for fish bait, but they can also be used for personal use compost and/or in farming or commercial compost.

The most popular type of bait worm is the earthworm, specifically the “night crawler.” Night crawlers are typically found on the top of soil at night, hence the name “night crawler.” They are also called “dew worms” because their numbers tend to increase when the ground is moist. Night crawlers are quite large in size. They can measure up to ten inches in length and up to 0.39 inches in diameter. The night crawler, whose scientific name is Lumbricus terrestris, has a unique dark colored “head” with a light colored flattened tail. At first glance you won’t notice it, but the night crawlers body is covered with “setae,” which are tiny bristles that help the worm move through the dirt and it also helps the worm anchor it’s body when it comes time to protect itself against predators.

The night crawler has a protein packed segmented body. Each segment is filled with fluid and the segments surround the worm’s digestive tract. The digestive tract is the same length as the worm, whatever size he may be. The night crawler has a brain and hearts, but it has no eyes, ears, or lungs. They absorb oxygen through their smooth and slimy skin, which is always moist, and they “hear” through their ability to feel vibrations on the ground. Although they do not have eyes, night crawlers are very sensitive to light. If they remain in the light for too long, the results can be fatal. The same is true if the worm’s body dries out. In the sunlight, it is highly possible that the worm’s skin can dry out, so if they are not buried deep within the earth or the lower layers of top soil, during the day, they can be found under rocks or bricks or underneath leaves or debris.

Whether you are purchasing worms to use as bait or for compost or farming, you can purchase bait worms from just about anywhere. You can purchase them at pet stores, both large and small, from live bait and fish stores, and through literally hundreds of sellers and retailers online. Bait worms are relatively cheap too. You can expect to spend anywhere from $35-$50 for 500 live night crawlers in person or shipped to your door.