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How to raise silkworms in summer
The summer silkworm rearing season typically spans from the start of summer to the beginning of autumn. During this time, the weather is usually hot, humid, and stifling, with high humidity levels that can sometimes exceed what is ideal for silkworm development. These conditions can interfere with the enzymes in the silkworms' bodies, leading to metabolic issues that increase the risk of disease. As a result, effective management during the summer is crucial to ensure a successful harvest of silkworm cocoons.
First and foremost, strict disinfection and disease prevention measures must be implemented. Silkworm diseases are one of the biggest threats to sericulture, especially in the spring when outbreaks often occur. If proper sanitation is neglected, diseases can spread rapidly and become difficult to control. In summer, it's essential to disinfect the rearing area after each batch of silkworms. A 1% chlorine bleach solution or a mixture of 2% formalin and 0.5% lime can be used for this purpose. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness in the environment is vital—silkworm droppings should be removed regularly and properly disposed of. Diseased or weak silkworms must be removed promptly and buried deeply. Workers should also follow hygiene protocols such as washing hands, changing shoes, and using clean tools before handling silkworms.
Second, organizing the silkworm rearing schedule properly is key. Summer is a time of abundant mulberry leaves, so the number of batches should be planned according to the availability of fresh leaves. It's common to arrange a "water period" every 15 days or so, which allows enough time for sterilization and ensures that the silkworms have access to high-quality mulberry leaves, promoting healthy growth.
Third, careful and attentive management is required throughout the process. When raising summer silkworms, it's important to use eggs that are suited for high-temperature conditions. After hatching, different stages of silkworms—large, medium, and small—should be raised separately, while young silkworms can be co-cultured. Mulberry leaves of varying ages should be selected, and they should be harvested twice daily, once in the early morning and once in the late evening. This helps avoid feeding silkworms leaves that were picked under high temperatures or that are not yet ready for consumption. The leaves should be kept fresh by ensuring quick collection, loose storage, and prompt delivery. On hot days, the leaves should be moistened and covered to maintain their quality. Rainy day harvests need to be dried quickly. Also, the density of silkworms should be carefully controlled—each silkworm should have space equivalent to 2–3 heads to allow for easy feeding and movement.
Finally, adjusting temperature and humidity levels in the rearing area is essential. The silkworm room should be well-ventilated to prevent dampness and stuffiness, which can worsen the effects of summer heat. When temperatures are high and humidity is high, silkworms may show signs of stress, such as shedding or hanging. To reduce this, the western wall of the shed should be shaded, and windows on the north and south sides should be opened to promote air circulation. Farmers with the means can use electric fans to create a gentle breeze that helps cool the environment. By taking these steps, silkworms can thrive even in the challenging summer climate.