Dr. Gecko has tried to compile a list of the most commonly asked questions that people have regarding the keeping and raising of mealworms as a food source.  If you have a question that you would like to ask and see here, please email it to us as we are always adding to this list!

Is it true that mealworms can eat their way out of a gecko's stomach?
No.  This is just a myth and we have never been presented any scientific data yet to prove this has actually happened.  Your gecko's stomach has digestive juices which will actually kill the mealworm quite quickly - if the teeth don't do it first!

Can mealworms hurt my gecko in any way?
Yes. It is possible for your gecko to be hurt my a mealworm but this rarely happens if you are careful.  Loose mealworms can nibble on your gecko if it is weak/sick/sleeping.  Be sure to include a fresh piece of carrot or something for the mealworm to nibble on in case it escapes the mouth of your hungry gecko!  Feeding too many mealworms or ones that are too large can also be harmful.  Do not overfeed your gecko and try to offer freshly molted mealworms as they are softer and much easier to digest.

 What can I do to slow down the rate of growth of my worms?
Unlike with superworms (Zoophobas mario), you can actually keep mealworms in the fridge for several weeks where there metabolism slows down.  They will not eat or grow while you keep them in the fridge.  You can also keep them at a lower room temperature if you wish as well.

 What size mealworm should I offer my gecko?
It is far better for your gecko if you offer it more smaller prey items than fewer larger ones.  The smaller ones tend to be more nutritious and much easier to digest.  A good rule of thumb is to offer insects whose width is no more than 1/3rd the width of the gecko's head.  The insects should also be no longer than 1 times the length of the gecko's head.

Why are some of my worms all white and squishy?
These are just mealworms (larvae) that have just molted - as with other insects, mealworms periodically shed their exoskeleton.  They simply lack the brown chitinous rings that you see on mealworms that have not molted.  These are much easier for geckos to chew and to digest which is why we always recommend offering these as food whenever possible.  These are a great way to help tempt stubborn feeders to eat!

Can mealworms harbor any type of diseases?
As with any feeder insect, it is possible for mealworms to harbor a variety of diseases - although this rarely happens.  For example, some mealworms may have come into contact with contaminated fecal matter or water if they have been fed to one gecko, removed uneaten and then placed in an enclosure with another.

It is also possible for mealworms to harbor things such as bacterial and viral infections as well.  Bacterial problems often start when housed in a moldy/damp environment for example.