Keeping superworms alive for a long time is so easy! In fact, it's more challenging to get them to pupate than it is to store them for long-term feeding.
Room Temperature
Unlike most other feeder insects, superworms last the longest at room temperature. Storing them in a refrigerator, wine cooler, or even an excessively drafty location that drops below 60°F can kill them. Similarly, they'll start to perish at warm temperatures above 84°F.
If you keep them in a room at 68-78°F, you can expect them to survive for 6 months or longer.
Group Housing
When superworms sense movement from other superworms, they won't pupate. Therefore, you shouldn't have to worry about your superworms pupating if they're all housed together.
A large bin with few worms may allow them enough solitude to pupate once they're old and large enough. However, overcrowded housing is bad news, too.
Proper Care
Superworms require slightly more maintenance than feeder insects that can be stored in a dormant state within the fridge. They need food, water, and clean living quarters to survive.
Aside from accidental refrigeration, moldy substrate is among the leading causes of superworm die-offs. Check the bedding at least once weekly for excessive moisture or mold growth. If it goes bad, use a sifter to remove the worms and put them in 4-5" of fresh grain bran, meal, or flour. Give your superworms fresh substrate every four weeks, even if it doesn't look like it's going bad.
They'll eat the grain bedding, but you should also ensure they always have a fresh slice of a hard, moist vegetable or fruit to hydrate them. Replace the produce as it starts to dry out or go bad. You can use:
- Apple
- Carrot
- Potato
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
Finally, you'll want to be sure that the storage container isn't overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause the superworms in the center of any piles to overheat. A too deep substrate (over 6") can also cause issues with overheating.