Why Are Worms Escaping Vermicompost And What You Can Do About It

Table of Contents

Have you ever tried vermicomposting only for worms to start escaping from the bin? It can be quite frustrating, especially if you're new to the process. In this post, we'll explore reasons why worms escape vermicompost and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening.

What is Vermicomposting?

Vermicomposting is the process of using earthworms to breakdown organic matter into nutrient-rich soil. It's an eco-friendly way of waste reduction that also produces high-quality compost for your garden.

Why Do Worms Escape Vermicompost?

There could be several reasons why worms escape vermicompost. Some of them are:

• Overfeeding or underfeeding your worms
• Improper moisture level in the worm bin
• Inadequate space in the worm bin
• Escape from light
• Poor air quality in the worm bin
• High temperatures in the worm bin

How Can You Avoid Worms Escaping Your Vermicompost?

Let's take a look at some tips to help you avoid worms escaping your vermicompost.

Vermicompost Troubleshooting: Why Worms Escape

Understanding common causes of worm escape can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. Below are some reasons why they may escape and how you can address them.

Overfeeding or Underfeeding Your Worms

Overfeeding or underfeeding can cause worms to try to escape from the bin. Too much food will create heat and acidity, which may become intolerable for the worms. On the other hand, underfeeding means the worms won't have enough food to eat.

To prevent worm escape due to feeding issues, it's best to feed small amounts of food. Also, give the worms enough time to eat before adding more food. It's advisable to chop up scraps for easier digestion.

Moisture Level in Worm Bin

The moisture level in your worm bin is crucial to worm survival. Too much moisture can cause anaerobic conditions that repel worms while dry soil can make breathing impossible for them.

To prevent escape due to moisture levels, always ensure that the bedding material is damp but not wet. The bedding should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

Inadequate Space in the Worm Bin

A small worm bin will quickly fill up with waste material, leaving the worms without living space. Once worms reach the top of the bin, they'll have nowhere else to go other than try and escape the bin.

It's recommended that you buy a worm bin large enough to give plenty of room for the worms. If you have too many worms, it's time to split them into two separate bins.

Worm Behavior: Understanding Why They Escape

Worms have their ways of communicating their needs. By knowing how they behave, it's possible to prevent them from escaping. Below are some reasons why they may escape.

Escape from Light

Worms prefer dark environments as they are sensitive to light. Therefore, if you put the worm bin in a bright area, the worms could try to escape.

Position your worm bin in a dark and cool place. Alternatively, create a cover for the bin to reduce light infiltration.

Escape from Poor Air Quality

Worms require good air quality to survive. If the bin has poor ventilation, it prevents air circulation and can cause suffocation leading to escape

Make sure that you provide enough oxygenation occasionally by aerating the bin contents. Avoid using too compacted material within the bin as it may lead to air deprivation.

Escape from High Temperatures

High temperatures can be deadly for worms as their survival range is between 55°F and 77°F. A higher temperature than usual will slow down their activities causing them to try escaping. Notably, temperatures above 90°F can kill the worms.

Maintain low-heat levels by keeping the worm bin in cool areas. You can try adding a damp cloth on top of the bin to retain coolness.

Worm Bin Maintenance: Tips to Avoid Escaping Worms

Once you’ve identified possible causes of worm escapes, it's essential to maintain your worm bin accordingly to make it optimum for their survival.

Adjustment of Moisture Level

Regulation of moisture level keeps the bedding material at optimal water retention capacity for the worms. It’s best to check the moisture content often and compared to a wrung-out sponge.

Add dry materials like burlap or shredded newspaper into the worm bin if it's too moist. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, add water to the material until it feels damp.

Feeding in Small Quantities and Chopping Up Food Scraps

Chopped up food scraps are easier for the worms to digest than larger portions. It’s essential to introduce small quantities at intervals of around 2 to 3 days to avoid overfeeding.

You can keep food scraps in a separate container before referring back to the worm bin when ready. Additionally, providing them with grit every six months keeps their gizzard running perfectly.

Worm Bin Refreshment

Replacing old bedding material with fresh new materials is necessary when the carbon-nitrogen ratio isn't optimum. An ideal ratio should be between 30:1 or 40:1 containing equal amounts of browns and greens.

Allow enough time for the bottom layer to turn into finished castings before refreshing the bin. You'll know it's ready if it looks like black crumbly soil.

In vermicomposting is an effective waste reduction method that produces high-quality compost. However, worms escaping from the bin can lead to frustration, making you give up on the process altogether. The post has shed light on some of the primary reasons why this happens and how to prevent it.

Remember, to avoid worms escaping your vermicompost; maintain optimal bedding moisture levels, regulate feeding schedules, ensure comfortable living spaces, and always keep the bin away from light sources.

FAQ

What is the ideal temperature for worm bins to prevent worms from escaping?

Ideally, temperatures between 55°F and 77°F are conducive to keeping the worms alive.

What should I do with the escaped worms?

You can put the worms back in the bin as long as conditions have been rectified. Alternatively, use them to start a new worm colony.

How often should I feed my worms to prevent them from escaping?

Feed worms small quantities of food every few days while observing their intake patterns.

Can I use chemicals on my worm bin to prevent worms from escaping?

No, it's recommended that all components inside the worm bin are entirely organic and free from any harmful chemicals as worms are highly sensitive, and high contents could lead to death.

How many worms do I need in my bin?

Start with approximately half a pound or 500 worms, and you can always add more if needed.

What should I do if mold appears in my worm bin?

Mold is normal in a worm bin as it’s part of the decomposition process. However, excess mold could indicate that there’s too much moisture in the bedding material. The best solution is to replace the soiled bedding with fresh material.

How much space do my worms and compost need in the bin?

Worms need about 2-3 square feet of space for every pound of food scraps they consume.

Can I use newspaper as bedding for my worms?

Yes, newspaper works well as bedding when shredded and dampened before introducing into the worm bin.

How long does it take for worm castings to be produced?

It takes around three months for fresh scraps to turn into compost in the worm bin.

Can I add meat or bones into my worm bin?

No, meats and bones add too much protein to the bin and emits an unpleasant odor that attracts unwanted pests. Avoid adding these items to the worm bin.