Step 1: Research the wax worms’ needs

Before starting your wax worm farm, make sure you understand the insects’ living conditions and dietary needs.

Step 2: Choose your container

Select a large plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure it’s well-ventilated by drilling small holes in the lid. It should also be easy to clean and access.

Step 3: Prepare bedding material

Line the bottom of your container with unscented paper towels, peat, or wood shavings. Make sure not to use cedar shavings, as they may be toxic to wax worms.

Step 4: Assemble the wax worm habitat

Place egg cartons or similar refuge materials on top of the bedding. This will give your wax worms places to hide and spin their cocoons.

Step 5: Acquire wax worms

Purchase live wax worms from a reputable supplier or your local pet store. Acquire around 50-100 larvae, depending on your container size and desired farm output.

Step 6: Introduce the wax worms

Carefully transfer your purchased wax worms into the prepared container. Keep them at a temperature of around 80-85°F (27-29°C) during this process.

Step 7: Feed the wax worms

Provide a mixture of bran, honey, glycerin, and powdered milk to nourish your wax worms. Be conscious of cleanliness as mold can easily spread within this food source.

Step 8: Maintain temperature and humidity levels

The ideal conditions for raising healthy wax worms are temperatures between 80-85°F (27-29°C) and relative humidity levels around 40-60%.

Step 9: Monitor growth and development

Keep an eye on both larvae and cocoons to ensure healthy development. After reaching full growth (usually around three weeks), the worms will spin cocoons and turn into moths.

Step 10: Collect the cocoons

After the worms have spun their cocoons, move them into a separate container to pupate and eventually become moths.

Step 11: Encourage mating

Create a breeding area for your moths containing nectar-rich flowers or sugar syrup to attract moths. Breed new wax worms in this area to start the next generation.

Step 12: Harvest the eggs

Eggs should be laid on honeycomb or egg cartons placed near moth breeding areas. Once laid, gently transfer these containers into another spawning container.

Step 13: Incubate and hatch eggs

In an additional separate container, store newly-laid eggs until they reach full development. Maintain temperature and humidity requirements for optimal hatching success.

Step 14: Separate larvae from eggshells

As larvae emerge from their eggs, transfer them back to your main container by gently lifting them from eggshell remnants using tweezers.

Step 15: Maintain and grow your worm farm

Continue feeding, cleaning, and managing temperature/humidity levels as necessary. With proper maintenance and care, your wax worm farm will thrive for years to come.