Too wet

[Tom Jacobs]

A few of my worms seem to be crawling the walls and possibly headed out.
I am inclined to think that it is because the bedding is too wet.
What can I add that will dry the bedding out?

Thank you

[kim]

Hi, when this happens I usually add cardboard or newspaper. I make sure no coloured dyes in it - i have heard that some dyes are toxic. hope this helps

[Megan]

there are plenty of leaves around too.

[Tom Jacobs]

Thank you both -
further question: I don't want to hurt my worm family, I assume that I should mix in the cardboard/leaves/newspaper.
1] is that a correct - that it would work better to mix it in
2] if so, is there a gentle way of doing it so as not to harm or stress the worms?

[Ann Allen]

No, you don't need to mix it in. I generally use shredded paper and just add a thick, loose layer to the top, cover it with either a newspaper, a piece of cardboard or some carpet (which you really need to do at this time of year anyway) and make sure I don't add too much over wet scraps for a week or so. Sometimes this works and sometimes not.

Another alternative is (as well as adding the remedial newspaper to the present level) to add another layer/box on top of the wet one to begin a new level with plenty carbon (paper) and nitrogen (scraps). After this begins to rot down the worms will make their own way up and after they have completely vacated the 'wet layer' you can then empty that layet out into the compost.

But if it is only 'a few worms' that are vacating then don't worry - some do go for a 'vacation' - remember you have over 2,000 in there!

[Tom Jacobs]

Thank you!

[anthea timmer]

Hi I had the same problem when my tray wasn't on right and it rained. I used light corrigated cardboard .I tore it in long strips.It didn't take long to dry out.The other good paper is the brown paper bags the supermarket had.Unfortunatly they dont use them anymore where i live.

[Mark]

Hi Tom, I have noticed from time to time that my worms climb the walls and seem to be on an escape mission. In my case I think it is a lack of food because as soon as I have put more tucker in there for them they seem to go back to working the food.
I have kept my farm in the garage all Winter and have added very little in the way of extra moisture and they seem to be going ok. I figure when the mixture is moist like a good compost then the moisture content is most likely OK. However I am open to what others might think about my comments.

[Iona Bayley]

I occasionally get a load of worms trying to escape, despite my can-o-worms being kept in the garage. I have noticed this often happens when there has been heavy rain, but as the wormies are indoors I can only assume it is a reaction to either pressure changes in the atmosphere or due to vibrations of the roof or ground due to the rain?

Also, I never add any extra liquid as the veggie scraps provide enough moisture, and even then I add strips of newspaper every couple of weeks or so to prevent it getting too soggy. Seems to do the trick.

[Lena]

I have seen this in my large compost bin when it is quite dry.
I have wondered if it is mating?

When putting in a bucket of house hold scraps, that may be a bit wet, I add shredded paper to get it a little dryer.

[Flo]

I was at a composting workshop over the weekend and we were checking out someone's wormfarm when the topic of worms escaping came up.

The woman who was taking the workshop (a rather respected and knowledgable gardener round these parts), said to add some lime or wood ash when this happens to adjust the PH balance. Perhaps add less acidic material too?

[Tom Jacobs]

Flo, I really appreciate your follow up on this issue. I'll do this. Thank you

[Mark]

Tom, Flo is right about the PH balance if the WF gets too acidic then the worms don't seem to like it and you need to bring it back to the alkaline side of the scale.

I came across the folks from Earthly Delights at a market day who explained the PH balance in a WF to me.  You can get the a lime mix made up for your WF from them for just a few dollars and you don't need too much in a small home set up.  Check out the attached link for their contact details.http://www.earthlydelight.co.nz/