Gardeners are being urged to soak dried mealworms in water before offering them to birds in July, as the UK experiences its third heatwave of the year with temperatures exceeding 34°C. Wildlife experts warn that unsoaked dried mealworms can pose a dehydration risk to young birds, especially in urban areas where natural food sources are limited.
Why Soaking Matters in Summer Heat
While supplementary bird feeding was once considered a winter-only activity, it is now recommended year-round. In summer, high-protein foods like mealworms help birds build nests, feed chicks, and prepare for the late-summer moulting season. However, the current heatwave has dried up natural water sources, making hydration critical.
Dried mealworms absorb moisture from a bird's stomach if not pre-soaked, potentially leading to fatal dehydration in nestlings and fledglings. Soaking for at least 30 minutes—or a few hours, according to some experts—rehydrates the mealworms, making them softer and easier to digest while providing essential water.
Expert Warnings and Recommendations
Vine House Farm Bird Food stated: "There's a logical possibility that some adult songbirds might feed dried mealworms to their young in the nest or their fledglings, and if the food isn't firstly soaked in water then there's a risk that a young bird could die of dehydration." The company added that in urban areas where blackbirds and robins rely heavily on garden feeders, the risk is heightened.
Lucy Taylor, garden wildlife expert at Vine House Farm Bird Foods, said: "Dried mealworms are a rather poor alternative to live, but if they are used, then they must be first soaked in cold water for a few hours before putting them out. Sultanas are another food which are good for some species of garden bird, but again, it's essential they're first soaked in water."
How to Prepare Mealworms Safely
To avoid dehydration risks, gardeners should soak dried mealworms in cold water for at least 30 minutes, though longer soaking (up to a few hours) is recommended by some experts. Ivel Valley Bird Food noted: "Not only are dried mealworms a fantastic source of protein, but they also come with a nifty trick! You can soak them in water before placing them in your feeders. The mealworms absorb the water, providing birds with both nourishment and hydration. This is especially great during the hot summer months when birds need to stay hydrated."
With hosepipe bans in effect due to the heatwave, gardeners are reminded that providing water for birds is crucial. Soaked mealworms offer a dual benefit of nutrition and hydration, supporting garden bird populations during extreme weather.
