How do you sort mealworms from the substrate?

Mealworms are a popular source of protein for animal feed, and their cultivation has become a significant industry. However, sorting mealworms from substrate or waste is a laborious and time-consuming process, especially when done manually.

In this article, we will discuss various methods for sorting mealworms from their substrate or waste.

Hand sorting mealworms

This method involves physically picking up mealworms and placing them in a separate container. Although this method is cost-effective, it is incredibly time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it impractical for commercial-scale mealworm production.

Mesh sorting

This method involves using mesh screens of varying sizes to separate mealworms from their substrate. Pour the substrate onto the mesh, and collect the Tenebrio Molitor as they crawl through the openings. This method is relatively simple and requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for small-scale operations.

Vibration sorting

This method involves using a vibrating sieve or conveyor to separate mealworms from their substrate. The vibration causes the Tenebrio Molitor to separate from the substrate and fall through the sieve onto a separate collection area. This method is more efficient than hand sorting and mesh sorting, making it ideal for larger-scale mealworm production.

Air sorting

This method involves using an air stream to separate mealworms from their substrate. The substrate is fed into a hopper and blown into an air stream. The Tenebrio Molitor, being heavier than the substrate, fall to the bottom of the collection area, while the substrate is blown away. This method is highly efficient and suitable for commercial-scale mealworm production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sorting Tenebrio Molitor from their substrate or waste is a necessary process in mealworm production. The method used will depend on the scale of production and the available equipment.

Although hand sorting is simple, it is not practical for large-scale production.

The combined mesh sorting, variation sorting, and air sorting is our Shuliy mealworm sorting machine used for mealworm farming. It’s suitable for small-scale, medium-scaled, and large-scaled mealworm production.