PLEASE READ BEFORE FEEDING YOUR PLANTS. Carnivorous plants obtain nutrients from insects because their soil does not provide everything they need. If your plant is kept indoors, freeze-dried mealworms are a clean, convenient alternative to live insects. These mealworms can also be fed to hedgehogs, birds, fish, squirrels, mice, snakes, chickens, and some reptiles. Please research your pet's dietary requirements before introducing new foods. To feed your plant, first rehydrate a freeze-dried mealworm with one or two drops of water. Feed a piece no larger than one-third the size of the trap, as food that is too large can damage it. Place the mealworm inside the trap and gently stimulate the trigger hairs with tweezers, tongs, or a skewer to encourage the trap to close. Make sure the trap seals completely. If needed, gently press the edges together after it closes. If the trap does not seal, it will reopen without digesting the mealworm. Feeding a Venus flytrap about once per week is usually sufficient, while larger carnivorous plants, such as pitcher plants, may require more frequent feeding.