Finding worms during the summer months can be challenging due to warmer, drier conditions. Whether for fishing bait or enriching a compost pile, locating these subterranean invertebrates requires an understanding of their natural responses to environmental changes. This guide offers practical strategies for successfully finding and maintaining worms.
Understanding Summer Worm Behavior
Earthworms are sensitive to temperature and moisture levels. As external temperatures rise and soil dries out in summer, worms instinctively move deeper into the ground to find cooler, moister conditions. This downward migration helps them avoid dehydration, as their skin must remain moist to facilitate respiration. At temperatures above approximately 25°C (77°F), worms may exhibit reduced feeding activity and seek refuge in cooler areas. If conditions become too dry or hot, some species can enter a state of suspended animation, known as estivation, by coiling into a ball and secreting a protective mucous cocoon deep within the soil.
Prime Locations for Summer Worms
Worms congregate in areas that offer moisture and cooler temperatures during summer. Look for them under natural debris like rocks, logs, and thick leaf litter, as these provide shade and trap humidity. Shady spots, on the north side of buildings or under dense vegetation, often retain more moisture. Areas near outdoor water sources, such as leaky spigots or downspouts, can also be productive. Well-maintained compost piles are another prime location, offering consistent moisture and abundant organic matter, which insulates against heat.
Effective Worm-Finding Techniques
Several methods can increase your success in finding worms. Shallow digging in moist, shaded soil can reveal worms close to the surface, especially if the ground is not overly dry. Watering a chosen area thoroughly can encourage worms to move upwards as the water saturates their burrows. Applying a mild, non-toxic soapy water solution to the soil surface can also irritate worms, causing them to emerge within minutes. This method is useful when the soil is dry and worms are deeper down.
Vibration-based methods, often called “worm charming” or “worm grunting,” mimic the sound of digging predators like moles, prompting worms to flee to the surface. One common approach involves driving a wooden stake or pitchfork into the ground and rubbing a piece of metal or another stick across its top, creating vibrations. A simpler variation is to gently tap the stake with another object. These techniques are most effective in damp, but not waterlogged, soil conditions.
Post-Collection Care
Once collected, proper care ensures the worms remain healthy for fishing or composting. Store worms in a breathable container like a plastic bin with small holes or a specialized worm box to prevent oxygen deprivation. Avoid airtight containers, which can lead to gas buildup. The container should be filled with bedding material like shredded newspaper, cardboard, peat moss, or coco coir. This bedding provides both habitat and a food source.
Maintain correct moisture and temperature; the bedding should be damp, similar to a wrung-out sponge, but not waterlogged. Worms thrive in temperatures between 13°C and 21°C (55°F and 70°F). Store the container in a cool, dark place like a basement or a refrigerator set to the ideal temperature. For temporary cooling in hot weather, a frozen water bottle or ice pack placed inside the container can create a cool zone, but avoid direct ice cubes as they can cause excessive moisture.