Shipping Live Worms and Insects Safely

Dispatch on Monday or Tuesday

Live orders are posted early in the week by express post. That way parcels arrive before Friday and never sit in a hot or freezing depot over the weekend. Orders placed later in the week go out the following Monday.

Weather rules

Before each shipment, the forecast is checked along the delivery route. Shipping is paused when temperatures are forecast above 30 °C or below 2 °C. The order simply waits for safer weather — nothing is lost.

Buyers can choose to waive the guarantee and ship anyway, but they then take on the risk.

Packing checklist for sellers

• Worms: breathable calico or cotton bag with damp (not wet) coir or bedding.
• Insects: ventilated tub with egg crate or bran and a carrot slice for moisture. No loose water.
• Insulated box or liner to buffer temperature swings.
• In heat: a cold pack wrapped in paper, never touching the livestock. In cold: a 40-hour heat pack taped to the lid.
• Clear 'Live animals — keep out of sun' label.
• Tracking number added to the order straight away.

Biosecurity and interstate rules

Some states and regions restrict live worms, insects and soil products coming in. In Australia, WA, Tasmania, the NT and SA have the strictest rules. On WormsMarketplace, sellers tick only the places they can legally send to, and you will only see listings that can ship to your address.

When your parcel arrives

Open it straight away and check the livestock. Worms often look sleepy after travel — put them on fresh damp bedding in the shade, leave the lid on with a light above, and they usually perk up within a day.

Insects should go into their prepared tub with food and moisture.

Live Arrival Guarantee

If anything arrived dead, take clear photos within 2 hours of the first delivery attempt and open a claim from your order page. The 2-hour clock is based on the carrier's tracking, which keeps it fair for both buyer and seller.

Tip: Have someone home on delivery day or use a parcel locker in the shade. Parcels left on a hot doorstep are the most common cause of losses.

Common questions