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Posted in Composting Worms Worms Found in the House Worms Generally

Small Brown Worms in Vivarium are Likely Helpful Benefactors

“I recently found tiny brown worms on the cucumber in my vivarium”, states this reader in her submission. “Do you know what this is? And is it harmful? I’m in the UK.” Now, the creature in the image is so tiny and nondescript that it really could be any number of things, though our best guess is that it is not a harmful worm, but one of the many that can occur in a vivarium that serve to break down the organic matter inside. The fact that they are eating the cucumber would suggest this, and for that reason, they are likely beneficial to the vivarium. Of course, we do not know if the vivarium contains any animals for which the cucumber was intended, and in that case, we understand that our reader is concerned, in the case that the worms are harmful to eat (some species of worms can contain diseases, pathogens and/or parasites).

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Posted in Composting Worms Earthworms Segmented Worms Annelida

Dead Earthworms in a Compost Pile: Is It Useful and What Does it Mean?

“Is there any use for dead earthworms? Can they be used in a compost pile?” asks this man in his submission to us. No further context is given, and no pictures are attached, but we will do our best to unpack and answer this question.

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Grub Worms

Waxy, White Larva Found in the Bottom of a Vermicompost Bin is a Wireworm

“What is this?” asks this reader about the white, segmented creature she found in the very bottom of her Vermicompost bin. She thinks it may be some kind of beetle larva, but nonetheless wants our help identifying it.

Posted in Composting Worms Red Worms

Red Worms for Sale Near Vancouver, WA

While there are plenty of places to find red worms for sale near Vancouver, WA, you can also purchase red worms online through dozens of retailers. You can buy worms from sites such as Planet Natural and Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm.

Posted in Composting Worms Earthworms Red Worms Worm Castings

Feeding Compost Worms

The best worms to use for composting are red worms. Red worm is the common name for Eisenia fetida/foetida and Lumbricus rubellus. Red worms are a type of earthworm that is also commonly used as bait for fish such as perch and sunfish. Eisenia fetida/foetida (also called red wiggler, manure worm, or brandling) is commonly used for composting.