Wiggling Around

I have one more bin left!  The dimensions are 4′ x 2′ x 1′.  I would love to deliver and set up this beautiful and locally made worm bin for $155.  This includes free delivery in the Bend area (call for specifics), worm bedding, and a pound of Red Wigglers!

Check out my website for more info.

Centipedes are part of the decomposition cycle and will be found in a worm bin.  I really get the shivers when I see these guys skittering along the bedding. Most likely it’s because of their pincers and fast moving tiny legs. These creatures won’t harm humans, but if there is an explosion in your worm bin they may harm or kill the Red Wigglers!

Cause:  Centipedes like decomposing food and moist, dark environments like a worm bin.  They do help speed up the composting process because they eat the food scraps!  I think they have similar habits to those of the mites.  If their is more food than the Red Wigglers can handle, they will show up to consume the food.

Treatment: Usually they won’t cause a problem unless there are a bunch skittering around the bin.  If you notice a decrease in your Red Wiggler population and an increase in the centipede population, then there is a problem.  When I see a centipede, I remove it from the bin and bury the food scraps underneath the bedding.  Some sites recommend using a pesticide to kill the centipedes, but I wouldn’t.  That would kill the Red Wigglers!

Here are links to a few of the sites.

Description with pictures

Bug Forum

Credit for image

I love the fact that Red Wigglers munch on toilet paper rolls!  They can eat many non food items like coffe filters, coffee grounds, egg shells, shredded moist newspaper, shredded moist computer paper, tea bags, paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls.  The paper products provide the carbon which the Red Wigglers need in order to survive in the worm bin.  ”Out in the wild” the decaying leaves and plants will provide the carbon.  Since I am controlling the Red Wigglers environment, it is important for me to balance the amount of  browns and greens that the worms are eating.  When these non food items are in the worm bin, I will usually find the Red Wigglers in and around the toilet paper rolls.  I do get a kick out of finding them nestled in between the rolls.  It must be cozy and secluded…a place to nuzzle with each other. Maybe they need to find that special place “to get the job done”.  hmmm? Yes? No? Maybe So?

I just put a roll in this morning and will take some pictures to show you how cute they look all snuggled together!  First, I am going to let them get settled in and comfy.