About Us

Our Mealworms are 100% Canadian Farmed & Processed

Founded in 2021 and based in Rockland, Ontario, Canada, INSECTCIBUS is committed to offering sustainable, high-quality mealworm products.

Insects can provide significant benefits in the production of food and feed that is rich in natural protein. In short, this is what inspired the portmanteau that would become our company name!

INSECTCIBUS was named from “insect” and “cibus”, the Latin word for food.

We specialize in dried mealworms and mealworm frass, providing nutritious, eco-friendly solutions for bird enthusiasts, gardeners, and poultry keepers.

Our products are 100% farmed and processed in Canada and packaged locally in Rockland, Ontario, allowing us to ensure quality and freshness in every order.

INSECTCIBUS owner Raynald Chartrand holding a tub of dried mealworms
INSECTCIBUS founder and owner Raynald Chartrand

Small mealworms make a big impression!

Whether you’re feeding wild birds, looking to enrich your garden, or caring for your backyard flock, our products are sure to make a positive impact!

What are mealworms?

Mealworms may be small, but they play a big role in nature! These little insects are the larval stage of the darkling beetle and are known for their ability to recycle nutrients in ecosystems. Their lifecycle starts as eggs, which hatch into larvae (the mealworms you know). Over a few weeks, these larvae grow, molt multiple times, and eventually transform into pupae before emerging as adult beetles to start the cycle again.

These tiny larvae are a natural part of an omnivorous or insectivorous diet for many birds and chickens, making them an excellent supplementary food. Dried mealworms are especially popular because of their impressive nutritional profile: 53% protein, 28% fat, 6% fiber, and just 5% moisture. This balance of nutrients supports strong muscles, energy production, and overall health for birds and poultry alike. Click here to visit Springer Nature Link if you’re interested in scientific research about the nutritional profile of mealworms!

Not only are mealworms fascinating creatures, but they’re also incredibly efficient at converting plant-based feed (think kitchen scraps) into protein, making them a sustainable choice for farming. Their adaptability to different environments and their role in nutrient cycling highlight their importance in nature.

Mealworm frass: nature’s fertilizer!

Mealworm frass, or insect manure, is a hidden gem for gardeners and plant lovers. This natural byproduct of mealworm farming is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—all vital for healthy plant growth. What sets mealworm frass apart from other mineral fertilizers is its content of chitin, a natural compound derived from mealworms’ exoskeletons. Chitin helps strengthen plant cell walls, making plants more resilient to pests and diseases.

Using mealworm frass is simple and effective. Whether you’re planting vegetables, nurturing flowers, or maintaining a lush lawn, you can:

  • Mix 1–2 tablespoons into the soil for new transplants.
  • Side-dress plants with 1–2 ounces monthly during the growing season.
  • Work it directly into the soil to enrich fertility and microbial activity.

Frass is lightweight, easy to store, and has a long shelf life when kept in a cool, dry place. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, it’s a completely organic option, promoting soil health without the risk of harmful chemicals. Click here to read more on the use of mealworm frass as a fertilizer, published in the Nature journal!

At INSECTCIBUS, we’re proud to produce mealworm frass as a byproduct of our mealworm farming. During their lifecycle, our mealworms naturally eat their molt, enriching their manure with a natural source of chitin. Mealworm frass is an incredible fertilizer for your plants. Buy some today, they will love it!