Glycerol Monolaurate: A Natural Mealworm Killer

Mealworm Menace: Can This Natural Solution Replace Harsh Chemicals?

Theo Raines in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how glycerol monolaurate (GML), a natural compound, offers a promising alternative to traditional insecticides for controlling lesser mealworms in poultry farms, without harming the soil."

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus, is a well-known nuisance in the poultry industry. These pests thrive in poultry houses, particularly in humid environments, and while they don't directly harm the birds, their presence leads to reduced feed intake and the spread of diseases, causing significant economic losses.

Traditional methods of controlling mealworms rely heavily on chemical insecticides like pyrethroids and organophosphates. However, these chemicals have limited effectiveness and pose risks of meat contamination. Concerns about the negative impacts of cypermethrin on beneficial soil organisms have further fueled the search for alternative solutions.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a natural compound found in milk, coconut oil, and palm oil, has emerged as a promising candidate. Known for its antimicrobial properties and use as a food preservative, GML has demonstrated insecticidal effects against bees. This article investigates the potential of GML as a safe and effective method for controlling lesser mealworms and evaluates its impact on soil fauna when used as a poultry litter treatment.

Glycerol Monolaurate: A Natural Mealworm Killer?

A recent study explored the effectiveness of GML against both larval and adult forms of the lesser mealworm. In laboratory tests, varying concentrations of GML were applied to mealworms, and the number of dead insects was recorded over time. The results were striking: a concentration of 1 mg/mL of GML proved highly effective, causing 100% mortality in larvae within two days. Adult mealworms also showed high susceptibility, with 83% and 90% mortality rates observed on days 5 and 8, respectively, after treatment.

To assess the environmental impact of GML, researchers conducted ecotoxicological tests using Enchytraeus crypticus, a type of earthworm, as a biomarker. GML was applied directly to the soil at different concentrations, and poultry litter treated with GML was used as a soil fertilizer. The study found no significant negative effects on the earthworms, suggesting that GML does not harm beneficial soil fauna.

Effective Larvicide: GML at 1 mg/mL concentration completely eliminated mealworm larvae within 48 hours.
Adult Control: Significant mortality observed in adult mealworms after GML treatment.
Soil Safety: GML did not exhibit toxicity to soil fauna in controlled experiments.

These findings align with previous research demonstrating GML's insecticidal properties against bees. While the exact mechanism of action remains unclear, GML is known to possess antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria. Unlike cypermethrin, a commonly used insecticide that can harm soil fauna, GML appears to offer a more environmentally friendly approach to pest control.

A Greener Future for Pest Control

The study's results indicate that GML holds significant potential as a natural and effective alternative to traditional insecticides for controlling lesser mealworms. Its ability to eliminate larvae and control adult populations, coupled with its apparent lack of toxicity to soil fauna, makes it an attractive option for sustainable pest management in poultry farms.

While further research is needed to fully understand GML's mechanism of action and optimize its application, these findings offer a promising step towards reducing reliance on harsh chemicals and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices.

Poultry farmers seeking a safer, more sustainable approach to mealworm control may find GML to be a valuable tool in their arsenal. By embracing natural solutions like GML, the poultry industry can minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.22456/1679-9216.84206, Alternate LINK

Title: Insecticidal Action Of Glycerol Monolaurate Against The Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius Diaperinus) And Its Ecotoxicological Effect On Enchytraeus Crypticus

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Acta Scientiae Veterinariae

Publisher: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Authors: Thainã Tomasi, Talyta Zortéa, Tamires Rodrigues Dos Reis, Leonardo Quintana Soares Lopes, Matheus Dallamea Baldissera, Roberto Christ Vianna Santos, Dilmar Baretta, Lenita Moura Stefani, Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva

Published: 2018-08-26

Everything You Need To Know

What is Glycerol monolaurate (GML), and why is it considered a promising solution?

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring compound derived from sources such as milk, coconut oil, and palm oil. It's a promising alternative to traditional chemical insecticides for controlling lesser mealworms in poultry farms. GML exhibits antimicrobial properties and has been proven effective against various pests, making it suitable for sustainable pest management.

Why are lesser mealworms a problem, and why is their control important?

Lesser mealworms, scientifically known as Alphitobius diaperinus, are a significant concern in the poultry industry. They thrive in humid environments and can reduce feed intake, and also spread diseases which leads to economic losses. Managing these pests is essential to maintain poultry health and farm productivity, which makes the discovery of GML an important achievement.

How effective is Glycerol monolaurate (GML) against lesser mealworms, according to the study?

The study indicates that Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is highly effective against both larval and adult lesser mealworms. Laboratory tests showed that a concentration of 1 mg/mL of GML caused 100% mortality in mealworm larvae within two days. Adult mealworms also showed high susceptibility, with significant mortality rates observed. This effectiveness positions GML as a strong candidate for controlling mealworm infestations.

What are the disadvantages of traditional insecticides, and how does Glycerol monolaurate (GML) offer a better solution?

Traditional insecticides such as pyrethroids and organophosphates used to control lesser mealworms can pose risks of meat contamination and have negative impacts on beneficial soil organisms, like the effects cypermethrin has. Glycerol monolaurate (GML) offers an alternative because it is a natural compound, demonstrating insecticidal properties, and has shown no harmful effects on soil fauna. This makes GML a more environmentally friendly option for pest control in poultry farms.

What are the broader implications of using Glycerol monolaurate (GML) for pest control?

The implications of using Glycerol monolaurate (GML) include a more sustainable approach to pest management in poultry farms. GML is effective against lesser mealworms, including both larvae and adults, and appears to be safe for soil fauna. This contrasts with traditional insecticides that may have negative environmental impacts. By using GML, poultry farmers can protect their flocks while also reducing environmental harm, contributing to a greener approach to pest control.