Purchasing earthworms is driven by two main goals: enriching soil through vermicomposting or securing live bait for fishing. The source you choose depends heavily on your intended application, the specific species you require, and the quantity you need, ranging from a small cup for fishing to several pounds for a large compost bin. Earthworms also serve as a high-protein live food source for certain reptiles and amphibians. Understanding the difference between the available species will guide your decision on where to find the best supply.
Identifying the Right Worm for Your Needs
The choice of retailer is determined by the distinct biological needs of the worm species. The most common worm for breaking down kitchen scraps is the Red Wiggler, or Eisenia fetida, a surface-dwelling worm species. Red Wigglers are highly prized in vermicomposting because they are prolific breeders and voracious eaters of organic matter, thriving in the top layers of a compost bin.
For anglers, the larger Canadian Nightcrawler, Lumbricus terrestris, is the classic choice due to its size and durability on a hook. This species is an anecic worm, meaning it is a deep-burrower that does not tolerate the high organic matter and confined conditions of a compost bin.
A versatile compromise is the European Nightcrawler, Eisenia hortensis. It is larger than the Red Wiggler, making it good fishing bait, and it also functions well in composting systems. European Nightcrawlers are a popular dual-purpose species because they are more tolerant of a wider temperature range. Selecting the correct species is essential, as using a deep-burrowing worm for a vermicomposting bin will likely result in the worms attempting to escape or quickly dying.
Local Retail Sources
For those needing a small quantity immediately, local retail is the quickest option for acquisition. Bait and tackle shops are the primary local source for fishing worms, typically stocking Canadian Nightcrawlers or European Nightcrawlers in small, breathable containers. While these shops are convenient, the species they label as “Red Worms” may sometimes be a mix of various types, which can be an issue if you intend to start a specialized compost system.
Garden centers and nurseries often carry composting worms, specifically Red Wigglers, as a product for soil amendment and sustainable gardening. These locations usually sell worms by count or by weight in smaller batches suitable for a starter bin. Large retail stores, such as big-box sporting goods or home improvement chains, may also carry pre-packaged bait worms, usually Nightcrawlers, in their outdoor or garden sections.
Pet stores provide another source, as they sometimes sell Red Wigglers as a live feeder for reptiles and amphibians, often packaged in cups or small tubs. While local sources offer instant gratification, they generally do not provide the option for bulk purchasing or the species-specific guarantee of a dedicated farm.
Online and Specialized Suppliers
For bulk orders or a guarantee of a specific species, dedicated worm farms and online retailers are the superior choice. These specialized suppliers focus exclusively on vermiculture, offering species like pure Eisenia fetida or Eisenia hortensis in quantities of one pound or more. Buying from a farm ensures you receive a healthy, established population ready to colonize a large compost bin or breeding environment.
Online retailers manage the logistics of shipping live animals by using specialized, breathable packaging with temperature-controlled shipping methods. To minimize transit time and prevent the worms from being held in a warehouse over a weekend, many farms adhere to a strict shipping schedule, sending out packages only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For commercial-scale operations or very large orders, some suppliers will arrange freight shipping for palletized quantities of worms and pre-mixed bedding. The advantage of a specialized supplier is the live delivery guarantee, which promises a replacement or refund if the worms do not arrive alive. This guarantee typically requires the customer to be available to receive the package immediately upon delivery to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
Post-Purchase Handling and Storage
Proper short-term handling is necessary to keep your worms healthy until they are used or transferred to their permanent home. Bait worms, such as Nightcrawlers, require refrigeration to slow their metabolism. They can be kept in a ventilated container at a temperature range of 35°F to 55°F for several weeks or months. Their bedding should be kept moist, similar to a wrung-out sponge, using non-chlorinated water and a material like peat moss or shredded newspaper.
Composting worms, including Red Wigglers, thrive in warmer conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 55°F to 77°F for maximum activity. They should be stored in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage, away from direct sunlight and heat. If you need to store composting worms for more than a few days, adding a small amount of food scraps like vegetable peels or coffee grounds will help sustain them until they are introduced into their new bin.