Hey Mark
Couldn't find much about how to get rid of them without affecting your mealworm colony. Dang!
Here is what I could find on the mites.
http://www.sialis.org/raisingmealworms.htm
Problems with mites: Sometimes a mealworm colony gets infested by grain mites (Acarus sp.) The mites may come from the mealworm supplier, in bran, or litter from poultry production, and may infest a colony that has been around for a long period of time. Excessive moisture may be a contributor. They are prolific breeders (800 eggs/female) and can withstand temperatures of 0 degrees and still hatch when brought to room temperature.
The mites are tiny and round, whitish or tan in color, and have eight legs. They may cling to air holes and look like very fine sawdust. Mites can not fly.
To prevent mite infestation:
Use only wheat middlings/hulls.
float mealworm containers in water (sort of like a moat); or put the container up on legs, each of which sits in a small container of water (which will also keep ants out).
use vaseline (a 2" wide band on the outside of the container just after you wash and dry it) to prevent mites from getting into a worm bed.
Jack Finch recommends sterilizing all bran/grain (by microwaving it or placing it in a subzero freezer for several days) prior to adding it to a colony to prevent mite introduction.
Blaine Johnson thought using aplies and potatoes as a moisture source may have connected to a mite problem he had, and switched to carrots.
If your colony does become infested, the mites will kill the larvae and adults. Destroy the colony, or freeze it and feed it to birds. Bleach the container before re-using it.
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