The Case of the Missing Mealworms
They ain't very pretty are they? Unfortunately, mealworms aren't very plentiful right now either. But why? I checked a bunch of Web sites and forums, and the explanations ranged from "I don't know!" to an issue with aflatoxins, (very nasty, wee, moldy-based beasties that attack the animal's liver). Then I called a few of the "mega-mealie" growers, and most responded with yet more "I don't know!"s. But two suppliers (who shall go nameless) were very blunt - the demand has skyrocketed... Period.
So what's really going on here? I'm not sure, but I'll offer a guess... The cost of oil and gas has folks both scared and ticked off to the point where they're retreating back into the "Comfort Zone" of their backyards... Four dollars per gallon of gasoline really shook not just individuals, but our culture to the core... We're afraid of the rising cost of energy, we're working harder to earn the paycheck, and we're mad at both our politicians and ourselves for letting this energy situation fester for 30 years... And finally, we're starting to look for value... For many, a $2,000, 5-day jaunt to Vegas doesn't quite contain the value of a $2,000, life-time investment in the backyard, including taking care of the birds... And if that means buying lots of mealworms, so be it...
There's a word that's all the rage now... "Staycations"... There's a reason for that term...
Bottom line? We'll bust our backsides to find you mealworms and their brethren, but this isn't going to be easy.
See you by the feeders,
CapeCodAlan
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Comments
I discovered this decent link which provides great information on feeding bluebirds something other than mealworms. I'm hoping this is helpful to those looking for alternatives.
Sialis.org bluebird suet information
Posted by: Judy | June 27, 2008 11:31 AM
I have one other idea why mealies are the rage besides staycations. I think in my case, I love worms versus feed because worms DO NOT attract RODENTS!! But, worms do attract a whole wide range of insect loving BEAUTIFUL BIRDS!! AND, during breeding season, if you have mealies, you have lots of nests, babies, fledgelings, mommy & daddy birds. I have a whole range of species: songbirds, woodpeckers,owls,small 7 medium raptors and even bats!!! How cool is that!! I've been buying worms from you guys for years now & I have a lot of flying friends expecting a treat or two when they visit or even reside on my property here in Homosassa, Florida. It's funny, I live in BUG WORLD & still my friends like these weird little grubs....THANKYOU & KEEP LOOKING FOR THE WORMS! KIT & MY FLYING FRIENDS.
Posted by: Kathleen A Leonardo | July 2, 2008 12:52 PM