What are the precautions for breeding yellow mealworms?
Q: How to prevent and control the diseases and pests of yellow mealworms?
Answer from Jindi Agricultural Yellow Mealworm Breeding Base:
Mite Infestation:
Mite infestations tend to occur between July and September. The main cause is mite eggs brought in with the feed. Therefore, during this season, yellow mealworm feed should be stored sealed. Ingredients such as rice bran, wheat bran, coarse cornmeal, and miscellaneous grain flour should be sun-dried and disinfected before feeding. Another important point not to overlook is that fruit peels, vegetables, and wild greens mixed into the feed should not be too wet, as high summer temperatures can easily lead to spoilage. It's also necessary to promptly remove insect droppings and leftover food to maintain cleanliness and dryness in the breeding boxes. If mites are found in the feed, it can be spread out and exposed to the sun for 5-10 minutes to kill the mites. Additionally, a solution of 40% trichlorfon diluted 1000 times can be sprayed around the breeding area, such as in corners, breeding boxes, and feeding utensils, or directly on the feed, achieving an effectiveness rate of 80%-95% in killing mites. However, the best method is scientific insect breeding, which is the most effective way to prevent mite infestations.
Drying Disease:
Symptoms include the head and tail of the infected insects drying up; severe cases may result in complete desiccation and death. The primary cause is high temperatures, dry air, and insufficient green feed in the diet. During the scorching summer, the breeding boxes should be placed in cooler, well-ventilated areas. Various vitamins and green feeds should be supplemented promptly, and water can be sprinkled on the ground to cool down and prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Soft Rot Disease:
This disease often occurs during the plum rain season. Affected insects move slowly, have reduced appetites, and produce fewer offspring. Severe cases result in the insect body turning black, soft, and rotting until death. The main cause is damp air in the breeding environment and injuries caused by excessive force when sifting the insects. Once this condition is discovered, the amount of green vegetables fed should be immediately reduced, the feces of sick insects should be cleared, windows should be opened for ventilation, and the temperature should be adjusted appropriately. Affected insects that have softened and turned black should be removed promptly, and 0.25 grams of chloramphenicol or oxytetracycline can be mixed with 250 grams of bean flour or cornmeal per box for feeding. Once the situation improves, switch back to feeding a mixture of wheat bran and green feed.
Q: What are the natural predators of yellow mealworms?
Answer from Jindi Agricultural Yellow Mealworm Breeding Base:
Predators:
The natural enemies of yellow mealworms include rats, ants, cockroaches, toads, chickens, ducks, geese, and dogs. Extra attention and prevention are needed when temporarily raising them in courtyards.
Precautions:
1. Pay attention to disinfection and disease prevention. Use quicklime for regular disinfection at the entrance and spray a 1 ppm bleach solution indoors.
2. Ensure the feed is fresh, free from mold and decay.
3. In winter, if wheat bran is kept outside, it should be brought in advance and allowed to reach room temperature before feeding the insects.
4. Plan the breeding time and quantity so that there is an adequate supply of appropriately aged yellow mealworms for each stage of the forest frog's growth.
5. Control the growth of yellow mealworms using temperature in winter and reduce feed in summer to adjust their age suitability for the frogs' consumption.
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