Varieties of Mealworms

• The larvae of the beetle family Tenebrionidae are referred to as mealworms; there are two types of mealworms. Yellow mealworm larvae look like yellowish brown worms. They grow into beetles with a hard, polished shell that can be dark brown to black in color. The adult dark mealworm is a dull black, while its larvae are dark brown. They are tubular-shaped and grow to be approximately 1 inch long.
  
  

Habitat

• Mealworms are more likely to be found in the pantry or basement than the lawn. They are sometimes raised in pet stores as food and can be brought into the home right along with purchased pet supplies.They especially like dark, moist places where they are undisturbed. Out of doors, the mealworm can be found in moist organic matter, but grain storage areas and places where birdseed is stored are the most likely places to find the mealworm. Both the larvae and beetle are nocturnal insects, meaning that they are more active at night.
  
  

Infestations

• It takes a year for the mealworm to develop from an egg to maturity. An infestation of mealworms can occur if grain, pet food or birdseed is left unattended for long periods of time. As damp dark space is especially welcoming to the mealworm, keep mealworms out of your yard by keeping the area free of debris. Organic materials and grain-based products should not be stored undisturbed in areas that you are trying to keep free of the mealworm.
  
  

Prevention

• If mealworm larvae are found in the yard, take a look around to make sure that there are no forgotten grain-based materials that provide a place for them to live. Check garages and other outbuildings as well as crawlspaces to keep the mealworms from growing to numbers that will attract wildlife pests. Seal contaminated items in plastic before disposing of them to keep the pests from escaping and relocating. If possible, wash the spaces that contained the food with hot, soapy water.