Mealworms and Eucalyptus

[reptilegirl07]

I heard that Eucalyptus is a natural bug repellent. I also heard that in the past a chemical including eucalyptus oil was used to prevent mites in bee hives.


I do not have mites in my mealworms BUT I have had an issue with mites in the past (not sure if they were in my worms or not, but they were around my tenants rodents and then EVERYWHERE one day, months long gone thank god).

I'm taking every precaution necessary. Any new bedding I'm baking then storing in bags in my freezer.

BUT I'd also like to possibly place eucalyptus leaves around and under where I keep the bins, maybe even taped to the top of the bins (they won't come in contact with the leaves, but the leaves will be there).

Wanting to use it as a preventative measure.


OH, and it's also an ingredient in mealworm chow?

What's your thought on this?

[MarkS]

I've had problems with mite explosions in my mealworm colonies too. It's always been caused by too much moisture in my medium. I've been keeping my medium bone dry and it's helped a lot. I don't put any kind of lid on my tubs and I make sure there is good air flow all around (condensation builds up quickly in a covered tub with all the worms in it) Meal worms need very little moisture, I use thin slices of fruits or vegetables as a water source, only enough so that it lasts for about a day and only a couple of times a week. Since doing things this way I haven't had any mite problems.