Wormcity Wormery check up
It’s the next day and time to check on how the Worms have settled into their new Wormcity Wormery home. Composting Worms can be a little ‘flighty’, and some more than others, depending on species. If being kept in doors, like mine, it’s best to keep them uncovered and the light on overnight. Mine are a mix of worms, which I’d only realise later, but this is not a bad thing, so long as you know what to expect.
What should you expect?
I have Eisenia Fetida, also known as Red Wigglers, Tiger Worms, Banded Worms, or Trout Worms. They are identified by their red colour, obvious banding, and a very yellow tail. Adults of breeding age also develop a very pronounced raised section, called the clitellum. This is the reproductive system, which is smooth on such as Indian Blue Worms (Perionyx Excavatus) which are a blue/purplish colour, and slightly finer Worm than the Wiggler. I’ve seen it said that Blues are very sensitive to weather changes, and known for quickly vacating the premises if not happy. If you have these, care should be taken to prevent escape into soil, or drying out on concrete. However, what I would later realise is that I have dendrobaena worms in my tower too.
This isn’t an issue as such, but Dendrobaena are use more as fishing bait worms. Whilst also great composters they too can be flighty, and also out compete the Red Wigglers when breeding. I came to realise that all the worms I have been losing from my tower are indeed the Dendrobaena.
What can you do about this?
Storms, rising water table, excessive vibrations from such as mine blasting, and heavy traffic can upset the worms. If you keep them out side then putting the bin in a bucket of water could stop you losing the worms. Worms can survive in water for a few weeks since they breathe through their skin. They just don’t like to, so this creates a trap for you to catch them before they try to escape. Inside you can put down a plastic sheet, or something damp for them to hide in. No matter how you try you can’t stop a worm drying out on a floor.
If all is well it’s time to put on the lid, and turn off the light.