One more left!

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.

 

What if I have centipedes?

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

Wigglers love their rolls….not the buttery type.

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.

What if I have mites?

See the white specks on the decomposing leaf?  They are mites. Mites are part of the decomposition cycle and are also members of a worm bin, too. They will not harm the Red Wigglers as long as there isn’t an explosion in their population. Mites feed on decaying matter and are usually found on the surface but may go deeper depending on where the food is located.

Cause: Typically an explosion is a result of too much food and possibly too much moisture.  This usually occurs on the surface where the food scraps are placed.  If there is an explosion in the mite population, the Red Wigglers will avoid the food and move to another area in the bin.  I usually see an explosion of mites when I put in too many cantaloupe rinds.  The Red Wigglers can’t handle the amount of scraps and the mites take over.  If that happens, then the Red Wigglers will not be able to get the food and may starve.

Treatment: If there are too many mites in your bin, then you’ll want to make some changes.  I suggest doing one or maybe all of these ideas.

1)  Remove the food source where the explosion is occurring.  Usually it will be covered in mites to the point where you can barely see the food.  I would toss it into your yard or bury it.

2) Remove the top few inches of bedding.  Sometimes the mites are covering the top of the bedding.

3)  Leave the bin open and expose it to light.  This will help dry out the surface.  Mites do not like a dry area.  The sun light will also help to control the mite’s population.

4)  Add some dry newspaper to absorb the excess moisture.

5)  Stop feeding for a week.  Freeze any food scraps that you are producing in the meantime.

Happy Wormin’

What if I have mold?

These moldy fruits look very nasty and if eaten could make you feel pretty nasty, too!  Mold springs up in damp places like your basement, bathroom and even on your food.  These spores are airborne and find that perfect, damp place to multiply.  In the case of composting, they like to feed on the decaying food scraps.  The strawberry and ortaniques above are infested with different forms of mold.  When you find moldy fruits and veggies in your fridge or on your counter top, you can feed these to your Red Wigglers.  Normally, I don’t feed my Red Wigglers copious amounts of citrus fruits.  When the fruits develop mold, the wigglers with eat the fruit.  The mold must change the chemical make up of the fruit…acidic to sweetic! lol…  I have seen a lot of Red Wigglers all over lemons and oranges once the mold has set in!

If you have mold developing in your bin (on the top layer of the composting food),there could be a few things going on in the bin….

1)  You could be feeding your worms too much and may need to back off until they have eaten what is left. In the meantime, freeze any scraps that you are producing.

2) Your bin could be to wet so add more shredded newspaper.

3)  Bury the food so new air borne spores won’t attack the food.

4)  Remove the moldy food if there is a nasty smell…..You’ll know…blah!

There really isn’t a threat to they worms, but may bother people with mold allergies.  Mold is another decomposer that is present in the decomposition cycle.