How to Feed
Feeding mealworms is one of the simplest ways to bring more birds into your garden. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing a feeder to storing your bag, so you can enjoy a little garden magic all year round.
Which birds love mealworms?
Mealworms are a favourite with many garden birds, such as robins, blackbirds, starlings, blue tits, great tits, coal tits and wrens. These are birds that naturally feed on insects, so a dish of mealworms is a welcome sight, particularly when insects are harder to find. Thrushes, dunnocks and house sparrows may also stop by. Every garden is different, so be patient: it can take a little while for birds to discover a new food, but once they do they often return day after day.
Feeders and placement
Bird tables and ground trays
Scattering mealworms on a bird table or a ground tray is the easiest way to begin. Robins, blackbirds and dunnocks are happy to feed low down, so a ground tray placed near some cover suits them well.
Dish feeders
A dish feeder, or a small open dish on the bird table, keeps mealworms together and helps prevent them being scattered or blown away. Dishes with drainage holes or a small roof help keep the food drier in wet weather.
Choosing the right spot
Place feeders where birds can see what is coming, with a bush or hedge a short flight away so they can dart to safety. Avoid spots where cats can hide close by. A position you can see from the house means you get to enjoy the visitors too.
How much to offer
Offer small amounts at a time, so the mealworms are eaten within a day. A small handful is plenty to start with. As you get to know your visitors, you can adjust the amount to suit them. Offering little and often keeps food fresh, reduces waste and helps avoid attracting unwanted guests.
Soaking or serving dry
Dried mealworms can be served dry or soaked in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before putting them out. Soaking softens them and adds moisture, which is especially helpful in hot, dry weather and during the breeding season, when parent birds are busy feeding their young. Drain them before serving and put out only what will be eaten that day.
Feeding through the seasons
Winter
Cold weather and short days make it hard for birds to find enough to eat. Mealworms can be a real help in winter, so try to keep your feeders topped up regularly once birds come to rely on them.
Spring and the nesting season
Spring is a busy time, with birds building nests and raising families. Mealworms are a useful extra source of protein for hard-working parents. Soaked mealworms are a good choice at this time of year.
Summer and autumn
You can feed year-round. In hot, dry spells, soaking mealworms and keeping fresh water out makes a real difference. In autumn, regular feeding helps birds prepare for the colder months ahead.
Keeping feeders clean
Good hygiene helps keep your garden birds healthy. Clean bird tables, trays and dishes regularly with hot soapy water, rinse well and let them dry before refilling. Clear away any uneaten or wet food, and move ground trays from time to time so the grass beneath stays fresh. It is a good idea to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.
Always provide fresh water
Birds need water for drinking and bathing every day of the year. A shallow bird bath or dish near your feeding area is ideal. Change the water often, keep it clean, and in freezing weather check it regularly so it does not stay frozen.
Feeding reptiles
Dried mealworms can also be offered to many pet reptiles as an occasional treat or supplement alongside a balanced diet. Choose amounts suited to the species and the size of your animal. Every reptile has its own needs, so if you are unsure, please check with a vet or a reptile specialist.
Storing your mealworms
Keep the bag sealed and store it in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets. Sealing the bag after each use helps keep the mealworms fresh and dry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to soak dried mealworms?
No, they can be served dry. Soaking in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes is helpful in hot, dry weather and during the breeding season.
How long until birds find the mealworms?
It varies from garden to garden. Some birds find them within days, while others take longer. Keep offering small amounts in the same place and be patient.
Can I mix mealworms with seed?
Yes. Mixing a few mealworms with your usual seed or bird food on a table or tray is a good way to introduce them.
What time of year should I feed mealworms?
You can feed all year round. They are especially welcome in winter and during the nesting season.
Can I feed mealworms to my pet reptile?
Yes, as an occasional treat or supplement alongside a balanced diet suited to your animal. Check with a vet or reptile specialist if you are unsure.