What thoughts come to mind when worms are mentioned? Most people are unfortunately afraid of these harmless creatures!
Did you know people make a living caring for worms? Are you wondering how on Earth this could be possible?
You’ve come to the right place! In the article below, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide devoted to caring for worms.
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Why Keep Worms in the First Place?
It’s safe to say worms just aren’t everyone’s daily cup of tea. Why would you want to keep worms in the first place?
Do worms negatively or positively impact our ecosystem? Worms definitely have a positive impact! We’ll list some reasons to keep worms below, along with simple steps for their care.
1. Fish Bait
Of course you’ll need to bait fish in order to catch them in the first place! What will you use for bait? Most fishermen will purchase worms from a fish bait store.
Though purchasing costs may seem insignificant in the short term, regular or frequent fishermen would save a fortune if these worms are raised at home!
You can even earn a livelihood from housing worms on a large scale!
A wide market always exists for worms at local fish bait stores. Thankfully, the industry isn’t yet flooded.
2. Aeration
Aeration is important for smooth airflow to plant roots. As worms burrow holes within the soil, aeration is improved. You can either keep worms for your own personal garden use or sell worms to farmers on a larger scale!
3. Pets
Most people might not consider housing worms as pets, but they do exist! Children especially might consider worms as pets.
Housing worms as pets requires knowledge of their care, right?
Things to Avoid When Taking Care of Worms
Worms have adapted to soil living. You’ll need to replicate that natural environment for their care. Don’t worry; this is easy!
That being said, there are several things you’ll need to avoid for your worms to stay alive.
No Touching
As much as you would love to touch or pet your slimy little one, this is best avoided! Worms are best watched, not touched.
If movement is absolutely necessary, be as gentle as possible. Try to move the worm and surrounding dirt, avoiding contact with the worm itself.
No Direct Sun
The sun is not only your best source of Vitamin D, it’s free! Unfortunately, not every living creature benefits in the same way we do. You always want to avoid placing your worms in direct sunlight.
Worms have adapted to life in a cool, dark habitat.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause your worm to dry out and ultimately die.
Avoid Submerging
Worms live in a moist environment. Emphasis is placed on moist, not soaking wet!
Have you ever wondered why you’re more likely to see worms after heavy rain?
These worms are freeing themselves from the damp soil!
How to Take Care of Worms
1. Build a Worm Bed
You’ll need to first learn how to build a worm bed before anything else. Replicating a worm’s natural habitat isn’t all that difficult!
- Select a suitable spot. This can be indoors or outdoors as long as the place is under shade.
- Take the measurements of the area.
- Dig a pit or bin according to your ideal measurements. This will depend on both the number of worms you wish to keep and the size of the designated area.
- Install compost bedding.
2. Ensure the Right Moisture
We’ve discussed moisture earlier. What is the science behind it, and how much moisture do worms need?
Unlike human beings and most mammals, worms are invertebrates and breathe through their skin. Mucus on their skin allows the exchange of gases, transporting oxygen through the circulatory system.
This means the worms need to be in a moist environment to prevent their mucus from drying out!
Ideally, your soil should be damp but not soaking wet. Worms will suffocate if submerged in water!
3. Smooth Airflow
There are two aspects when it comes to airflow for worms. These are:
- the bin used
- and the compost bedding.
Depending on the bin approach you’ve used, this should be easy! Simply create small holes in the sides of your bin.
Bedding impact hinders smooth airflow. To prevent this, make sure you fluff & turn your bedding 1-2 times a week at a minimum!
4. Correct Feeding
What do worms eat anyway? The following is a list of things to feed worms. Everything below should be diced into very small pieces while kept at room temperature.
- Fruits and veggies: bananas, apples, kales, tomatoes, eggplant, and berries. Avoid acidic fruits, such as melons and oranges!
- Eggshells and coffee grounds: Eggshells act as a source of calcium, whereas coffee grounds help maintain a neutral PH.
- Organic bedding: leaves, grass, sawdust, paper, and tissue
5. Temperature and Light
Room temperature is ideal! Temperatures can go down, but never above 60 degrees centigrade.
While most worm species are blind, they are sensitive to light and prefer to be in a dark place! Ensure that there is little to no light for your worms.
Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn