Maintaining a thriving population of
composting worms, especially red wigglers, is vital for efficient organic waste
decomposition. If you observe dying or deceased worms in your compost, it’s a
sign that your bin has maintenance issues that require immediate attention.
While there are multiple reasons for a
faltering composting worm population, you can restore and maintain the health
of your composting worm bin by systematically addressing several potential
problems.
Monitor and Adjust pH Levels
Worms thrive in a pH environment as close
to neutral as possible. When the pH of the bedding in the compost bin drops
below 5.5, it becomes too acidic, harming or even leading to the death of the
worms. Therefore, regulating the bin’s pH is paramount.
Regularly test the pH of your worm bin
using a pH meter or test strips, and, if high acidity is detected, apply
calcium carbonate (or garden lime) to neutralize the pH levels. We recommend
not using slaked or quick lime, since they can be too harsh for the worms.
One of the primary reasons for the
increased acidity of the composting bins is the addition of acidic food scraps
like citrus peels. While they are certainly compostable, adding too many
destabilizes the pH, making it more acidic. You don’t need to outright stop,
but such items should be added in moderation to prevent pH imbalances.
Regulate Temperature
The optimal temperatures for a red
wiggler’s environment are within the range of 40-85 degrees fahrenheit. When
temperatures move below or above this range, survival conditions turn at best
stressful, and at worst deadly for the worms.
Actions to maintain appropriate
temperature conditions for the compost bin depend on whether the bin is kept
indoors or outdoors. For indoor composting, position the bin in a
climate-controlled area away from direct sunlight or heat sources, while outdoor
bins should be placed in shaded spots during warmer months, with potential
insulation added for colder parts of the year. In either case, it is highly
recommended to regularly monitor the bin's internal temperature using a compost
thermometer to ensure it remains within the safe range.
Accommodate Appropriate Bedding
The bin’s bedding serves as both habitat
and food for the composting worms that reside there, so the materials used must
be chosen with consideration. Ideal bedding materials include shredded
newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, and aged compost, while materials treated
with chemicals or containing glossy inks should be avoided.
It is important to ensure that the
bedding is moist but not waterlogged. Its consistency should resemble the
dampness of a wrung-out sponge. It should also be regularly fluffed to prevent
compaction and promote good air flow.
Balanced Feeding Practices
Another common issue that causes compost
worm deaths is overfeeding, as it can lead to anaerobic conditions, foul odors,
and pest infestations. Red wigglers can consume approximately half their body
weight in food in a day. When feeding them, begin with small amounts of food
scraps, then monitor how quickly the worms process them and adjust accordingly.
To expedite how fast worms decompose the
food, try chopping or blending food waste that you add to the composting
bin. Also, you should always bury the
food under the bin’s bedding to deter pest activity. But be careful not to lead
this to underfeeding the worms, as that can lead to a decline in worm
population. Keep an eye on and assess the amount of uneaten food to find a
balanced amount for your worm environment.
Maintain Optimal Moisture Levels
Worms breathe through their skin, so they
require a moist environment. The bedding should have a moisture content of
about 80%. You can figure out if the bedding is too dry or too wet by taking a
handful of it and giving it the “squeeze test”.
If you find that it is too dry, lightly
sprinkle water over the bedding and mix gently. If the bedding is too wet, add
dry bedding materials like shredded newspaper to absorb excess moisture and
improve aeration.
Ensure Adequate Aeration
The well-being of red wigglers is
dependent on the prevention of anaerobic conditions that can harm the worms.
Ensure your bin has sufficient ventilation holes, and don’t overload it with
food or bedding, as it can compact and restrict airflow into the bin.
The bedding should remain porous for maximum aeration, so it's recommended that it be fluffed periodically. If the bin you are using is plastic, you can drill additional holes on the sides and in the lid to enhance ventilation.
Limit Toxic Materials
Certain materials are simply unsuited for
red wiggler composting environments. Oily or heavily spiced foods, dairy, or
meats, should not be composted at all, while highly acidic foods like onions
and any citrusy foods should be added on a limited basis. Additionally, all of
the materials added sure be free of chemicals and pesticides, or those could
leach into the bedding and poison all of the worms.
Make Sure To Remove Castings Regularly And Manage Population Growth
When the worm population is too high in a
composting bin, it leads to worms competing for resources, as well generation
of a lot of a lot of worm castings. Neither creates favorable conditions for a
healthy environment where red wigglers thrive. Although worm castings are
beneficial for plants, this material when it becomes a large part of your
bedding mix can harm your worms over time.
If you notice that the worm population
has increased significantly, consider splitting the colony into another bin or
providing a larger-sized bin for a habitat relative to the worm population.
Regular harvesting of worm castings can also help maintain a balanced
environment. We recommend removing worm castings from your bin every 3-4 months
and adding a large dose of fresh bedding at that time.
Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
One of the most practical ways to avoid
worms dying in the composting container is to pay attention to their
environment and behavior regularly. Consistent observation is key to early
detection of potential issues.
Consider establishing a routine to check
on your worm bin, including assessing factors like temperature, moisture, pH,
and food consumption. If you notice even minor problems, take action to remedy
them right away. By doing so, you will prevent them from becoming problems
later down the line.
Stay Educated
Vermicomposting is a dynamic process, so
there are always new things to learn. Educating yourself about keeping a
composting worm container of red wigglers should remain a continuing
process to assure its success. If you are a customer of ours and need help
diagnosing any worm bin problems, feel free to send us an email and we will be
glad to help.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy compost bin
requires attention to various environmental factors and a commitment to regular
care. By understanding and managing elements such as pH, temperature, bedding
quality, feeding practices, moisture, aeration, and population density, you can
create and maintain a stable and productive environment for your red wigglers
to thrive in.
And remember, problem prevention is always easier than rescue, so stay vigilant, and make adjustments when they are necessary. A well-maintained worm bin not only prevents mass worm death episodes but also rewards you with nutrient-rich castings that can help your plants and gardens grow.