Prevention of Grain Mites

Prevention of Grain Mites

If you are using any grain materials for substrate / bedding in mealworm farm, cricket/roach chow or other habitat, cook the grain in an oven at 200-250 degrees F for 1-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Cool completely before using with any live animals.

Store excess in the freezer if possible or keep them in a sealed container to prevent infestations from outside sources.

5 gallon buckets with gaskets seem to work well.

In order to 100% completely kill mites by the freezer method only, it must be a sub-zero freezer, -13F for min 2-3 days, for most people to have this high quality of a freezer is not likely.

However, some people say two weeks in a household freezer is enough.

Grain Mites love humidity and warmth, so, good ventilation is key to prevention. Keeping the humidity regularly below 40% seems to keep them from popping back up and swarming if they do.

If you use lids on your containers make sure to add vent holes on the tops and sides if possible to allow for slight cross breeze drafts.

Please join us for more tips and discussions in our FB community page!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dubiaplus/