Q&A for How to Grow a Wax Worm Farm

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How to transfer the moths for breeding box?

Community Answer

You are not actually going to transfer the moths. You will wait until the moths lay eggs and die. Then later, you will transfer about 20 of your worms to a new container to begin the process all over again.

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Question

What do I do if my wax moths die before they lay their eggs?

Community Answer

Some wax worms just don't breed. Don't worry, the other moths will produce eggs.

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Question

Last year when I tried this, I did get tons of baby wax worms, but they cocooned before they got any real size to them. What might I have done wrong?

Community Answer

During your first run, you want your worms to cocoon quickly, turn to moths lay eggs and die. You second batch is the one you want to allow to grow. It is possible you were starting with a smaller breed of wax worms?

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Question

Can wax worms survive in water?

Community Answer

No, they are not aquatic and will quickly die from the shock of the water and not being able to breathe.

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Question

I just got my worms and put them in, and it looks like they're stuck in the mix at the bottom. What should I do?

Community Answer

Check if they're alive by separating them. If they don't move, chances are they're dead.

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Question

How do I keep my wax worms from pupating and turning into moths so fast in the container?

Silver Rayn

Community Answer

Keeping them at a cool temperature will actually prevent them from moving, eating, or growing. Keep them in a refrigerator, but away from any foods. A good spot for them is in an empty drawer.

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Question

What type of container?

Community Answer

A 3-5 gallon container in hard plastic, metal, or glass.

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Question

Can I feed beeswax to my wax worms?

Community Answer

Yes. In fact, wax worms get their name because they eat beeswax.

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Question

How many wax worms can I put in three gallon container?

FutureHow

Community Answer

You could fit more than 5000 worms in there. You wouldn't want to do that unless you are using them fast.

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Question

If I store my worms in the freezer, will the cold temperature kill them, or will they revive when warmed up?

Community Answer

You should not put them in the freezer, but instead in the fridge. They will stay in a homeostasis state, and this will stop them from growing or turning into pupa, ultimately stopping them from breeding and dying.

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Question

My wax moths are dying before laying eggs. What could be the problem?

Community Answer

If the temperature is over 100 degrees, the moths could be dying from the heat before they have a chance.

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Question

Do they like warm or cold temperatures when they become wax worms?

Community Answer

Wax worms like warm temperatures. Just keep them under 100 degrees, or they will die.

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Question

Why do I need to use glycerin in the food mix?

Community Answer

Glycerin helps keep the bedding warm and damp, and encourages rapid, healthy breeding.

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Question

My wax worms aren't cocooning; they're more in a hard brown shell, what am I doing wrong?

FutureHow

Community Answer

This is actually the 'cocoon' that the worm is in when it turns into a moth. It is hard and brown. It should kind of look like a worm.

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Question

Will we harm them if we pick them up?

Community Answer

No, wax worms are okay to pick up. Just make sure you do it gently, so as not to hurt the tiny creatures.

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Question

Can you just leave them alone and keep feeding them will they keep reproducing?

Community Answer

Yes, they will keep breeding and laying eggs if left alone but fed. But never neglect them entirely, or they will die.

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Question

A few guides say that you should remove the moths as soon as they die. What should I do?

Community Answer

Yes, remove the moths. If you don't want to touch them, then use tweezers. You can dispose of them in the trash can or outside (outside is better than in the trash can).

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Question

Can leopard geckos eat waxworms?

Community Answer

Yes, leopard geckos eat wax worms, but do not feed them to your leopard gecko as a regular diet, as they are fatty. They should only be used as an occasional treat.

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Question

My frogs doesn't eat the worms but the waxmoths themselves. Is that okay?

L&J Reptiles & Amphibians

Community Answer

Frogs will eat any insect in any form. If your frog only eats the moths, that is fine. This is actually very common since frogs are insectivores, and it is perfectly fine for your frog. Usually, by leaving a waxworm in your frog's enclosure he will eat it once he has found it. Never force a frog to eat unless you are instructed to force feed by a vet, and make sure he has shown you how to do it correctly.

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