Earthworms are fascinating creatures essential for soil health and decomposition, often kept for fishing bait, composting, or educational purposes. These invertebrates are highly sensitive to their immediate environment, as they breathe through their skin, making conditions like moisture and temperature paramount to their survival. Successful long-term care requires maintaining a consistently hospitable habitat, which involves careful management of the container, bedding, food supply, and prompt resolution of any problems that arise. A thriving environment mimics the natural, damp, and dark conditions earthworms seek beneath the soil surface.
Designing the Optimal Container
The container must facilitate drainage and air exchange to prevent toxic gas buildup. Most keepers use opaque plastic storage bins because they are inexpensive and retain moisture well, but foam containers can also work effectively. Drill numerous small holes into the bottom for excess water drainage, preventing the worms from drowning.
Ventilation is equally important and is best achieved by drilling small air holes around the upper sides of the bin or by securing a fine plastic mesh over a larger opening in the lid. Earthworms thrive in darkness, so the container should be kept in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range for most composting earthworms, such as Red Wigglers, is 55°F to 80°F (13°C to 27°C), with an optimal range closer to 60–70°F (15–21°C). Extreme temperatures outside this range can cause lethargy or rapid mortality.
Maintaining the Substrate and Moisture Levels
The bedding serves as the earthworms’ home, a source of carbon, and a place to breed, requiring careful selection and preparation. Suitable materials include shredded corrugated cardboard, non-glossy newspaper, coconut coir, or aged manure. Soak these materials in water for several hours, then wring them out before placing them in the container.
The bedding needs a moisture level comparable to a wrung-out sponge (70% to 80% moisture content). To check this, squeeze a handful of bedding: only a few drops of water should come out, not a steady stream. Too little moisture causes worms to dry out and suffocate, as they require a moist skin surface for gas exchange. Conversely, excessive water leads to anaerobic conditions, causing a foul smell and creating a toxic environment. Periodically, lightly fluff the bedding to prevent compaction and maintain oxygen flow.
Feeding Requirements for Longevity
Earthworms consume decomposing organic matter, feeding on the microbes breaking down the food rather than the fresh material itself. Excellent food sources include most fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells, which provide grit for their gizzard. Chopping food into small pieces helps speed up the decomposition process, making it easier for the worms to ingest.
Strictly avoid meat, dairy, oily foods, and spicy items, as these attract pests, create foul odors, and cause ammonia buildup. Citrus fruits, onions, and garlic should also be limited or avoided because their acidity can disrupt the bedding’s pH balance. Portion control is crucial; feed the worms only what they can consume in a few days. Overfeeding leads to rotting food, which quickly turns the bin acidic and can be fatal. All food should be buried just beneath the surface of the bedding to deter fruit flies and other pests.
Identifying and Resolving Common Problems
A healthy worm bin should have a pleasant, earthy smell, and the worms should be actively moving away from light when the lid is opened. Signs of distress include worms attempting to escape the bin, overall lethargy, or a high number of deaths. Escape attempts often signal an unsuitable environment, such as bedding that is too wet, too dry, or too acidic.
If a foul odor is present, the bedding has become anaerobic due to excess moisture or overfeeding. The immediate solution is to stop feeding and add dry, shredded bedding to absorb excess liquid. Moldy or souring bedding indicates a pH issue, which can be corrected by adding a small amount of crushed eggshells or lime to buffer the acidity. Common pests like fruit flies can be managed by ensuring all food scraps are fully covered by bedding and by reducing the amount of fruit being fed. If many worms are dying, remove the remaining healthy worms and transfer them to a container with completely fresh bedding.