Wax worms are the feeder almost every insectivore goes crazy for, which makes them brilliant for tempting a picky eater or coaxing an animal back onto food. They're also rich and high in fat, so they're a treat, not an everyday staple. Here's how to keep them at their best.
What are wax worms?
Wax worms are the soft, plump larvae of the wax moth. They're high in fat and low in other nutrients, which is exactly why animals love them and why they're best offered in moderation. Their softness and appeal make them a go-to for fussy eaters.
Size: approximately 1/2″ to 3/4″.
A treat, in moderation
Because they're rich and fatty, wax worms are best used as an occasional treat or to tempt a reluctant eater, not as a staple. Offer them alongside a balanced diet rather than on their own.
How to keep them alive
Store them somewhere cool, around 10 to 15°C. That's the sweet spot: cool enough to slow them down and extend their life, but not so cold that they take chill damage. A cool cupboard, basement, or cellar is ideal. Avoid the main body of a household fridge, which usually runs colder than 10°C and can turn wax worms dark and sluggish; if a fridge is all you have, use the warmest spot, such as the door.
Keep the bedding dry and watch for condensation. Wax worms hate damp. When they arrive, wipe any condensation from the inside of the lid, and make sure the wood shavings they're packed in stay dry. Damp bedding is what spoils a tub of wax worms.
Let them warm to room temperature before feeding.
A note on lifespan. Wax worms are a delicate feeder. We guarantee your wax worms arrive alive, but we can't guarantee how long each one lives once it's in your care; that comes down to how they're kept and how quickly they're fed off.
A quick word on freshness
Feeders are only as good as they are fresh. Fresher wax worms are plump and pale, so order what you'll use and feed them off while they're at their best.
The short version
Wax worms are a soft, high-fat treat that almost every insectivore loves, best fed in moderation, not as a staple. Store them somewhere cool at around 10 to 15°C (a cool cupboard, basement, or cellar, not the main body of a fridge), keep the wood shavings dry and wipe any condensation from the lid when they arrive, and warm them to room temperature before feeding.
Ready to try them? Shop our wax worms.
