Q&A for How to Breed Silkworms

Smoke cannot, but bug spray can. So, keep them clear of anywhere someone might spray.

Yes, you can feed them mulberry chow, but that's the only good alternative.

No, just make sure they are submerged in dirt in a cool place, and make sure the dirt is moist. Spray it with water every 2 days.

It is impossible to determine silkworms' genders in the larva or pupa stage. In the adult moth stage, females can be distinguished from the males because of their larger size.

Yes. The worms are available almost anywhere in the world. There is no need for a license unless you are breeding thousands of them and also selling them.

Raise them as you would raise darling beetles. Feed them vegetables, use a biodegradable substrate, separate adults and larvae, as the adults will eat the young, and clean the habitat often. You can refer to the wikihow "How To Breed Mealworms" for more information. Follow the same steps for black solider fly larvae.

Yes you can, as well as lettuce and cabbage leaves. However, they must be fed this from the very first day they hatch or there is a possibility they won't adjust to the food and will die if they don't know it as food. Feeding beetroot leaves may make them spin a pinkish silk, which can be cool! However, it is recommended that you feed them mulberry leaves as it is safer and better for the silkworm. You can buy a mulberry bush which will supply a renewable source of leaves.

No, bacteria are everywhere and silkworms will probably die without bacteria. Both good and bad bacteria exist, so some bacteria can kill silkworms but most are harmless.

It's best not to separate silkworms while they are mating, as this could disrupt the process. Mating is a delicate and important part of their life cycle, and separating them might prevent successful reproduction. If you're trying to manage the silkworms, it's better to wait until after mating has finished before moving or separating them. Once the mating is complete and the female has laid her eggs, you can separate them if necessary, ensuring they remain in a suitable environment.

Not if you are careful. Use a soft tool or your fingers, and place the eggs in a container with a breathable lid or cloth. Keep them in a warm, stable environment around 25°C (77°F) for optimal hatching conditions.