Earthworms, often known as nightcrawlers, are sought after for several practical purposes. Anglers value them as effective fishing bait, while gardeners use them for composting organic waste and naturally aerating soil. Collecting these beneficial invertebrates requires a gentle approach to ensure they remain unharmed and viable. Successful methods leverage the worms’ natural behaviors for effective harvesting.
Passive Collection: Harvesting at Night and After Rain
The simplest way to gather earthworms relies on waiting for environmental conditions that encourage them to surface. Earthworms breathe through their skin and must keep it moist, which is why they are rarely seen above ground during the day. The hours after sunset are the prime time for collection, as the air is cooler and dew keeps the ground damp. Using a dim light source with a red filter is advantageous because worms are less sensitive to red wavelengths and are less likely to retreat quickly.
A recent heavy rain or soaking also presents an excellent opportunity. Worms emerge either to avoid drowning, as saturated soil depletes oxygen, or because the wet surface provides a safe environment to migrate and search for mates. When collecting, move slowly and lightly to avoid vibrations that signal danger. Gently grasp the worm closest to the opening of its burrow, pulling steadily but not forcefully.
Active Collection: Manual Digging and Soaking Methods
Active collection involves direct intervention to bring the worms to the surface, beginning with manual digging in targeted locations. Focus your efforts on areas under old logs, leaf litter, or near compost piles where soil is rich with organic matter. When using a spade or shovel, avoid plunging the tool deep into the ground, which can easily slice the worms. Instead, gently insert the shovel a few inches into the soil and turn the earth over with a soft motion. Carefully sift through the loosened soil by hand to minimize injury to the worms.
The soaking method, or water flushing, is another option that forces worms to the surface due to a lack of oxygen. Saturating a small area with plain water mimics heavy rainfall, compelling the worms to emerge as the soil pores fill. Some collectors use a very weak solution of biodegradable dish soap, which acts as an irritant. This technique requires caution, as stronger solutions can harm the worms and potentially disrupt the local soil ecosystem.
The Vibration Technique: Worm Grunting and Charming
The vibration technique, often called worm grunting or charming, utilizes the earthworm’s defense mechanism against predators. The low-frequency vibrations created by this method mimic the sound and movement of a burrowing mole, a major natural predator of earthworms. Sensing the danger, the worms instinctively flee to the surface to escape the perceived threat.
The procedure involves driving a wooden stake, sometimes called a “stob,” a few inches into the ground in a moist area. A piece of metal or wood, such as an iron rod or a saw, is then rubbed across the top of the stake to create a continuous, low-frequency vibration. After a few minutes of steady rubbing, earthworms within a certain radius will begin to emerge from the soil. This technique is highly effective.
Keeping Your Catch Alive: Storage and Handling
Once collected, proper handling and storage are necessary to keep the earthworms healthy and active. When picking up the worms, dust your fingers with cornmeal or sawdust; this absorbs the protective slime and provides a better grip. Always store the worms in a container with a suitable bedding material that is light, airy, and holds moisture well.
Ideal bedding includes shredded newspaper, peat moss, or coconut coir, rather than heavy garden soil, which can compact and suffocate them. The bedding should be damp, feeling like a wrung-out sponge, and the container must have small ventilation holes. Earthworms thrive in a cool, dark environment, with an ideal temperature range of 55 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 25 degrees Celsius). For long-term storage, they can be fed small amounts of simple organic materials, such as crushed eggshells, cornmeal, or vegetable scraps.