Red Wiggler Composting Worms Information

A red wiggler

Red wiggler worms are a commonly used composting worm by farmers and gardening enthusiasts alike--plus, they are often a fisherman's favorite at the bait shop. These worms are often misunderstood and overlooked for their naturally occurring contributions to the environment by the vast majority of society.

Features

Common names for the red wiggler are the red worm, manure worm, tiger worm and brandling worm. Dubbed with the scientific name Eisenia fetida, these worms are often confused with another small reddish worm named Lumbricus rubellus. Red wigglers are red, pink or even orange in color, depending on their age.

Size

Red wiggler worms can be from 2 to 4 inches in length as adults and start out with less reddish pigment as children. Hatched from eggs, hatchlings can reach maturity and begin laying eggs at 6 weeks old. With a lifespan of one year, red worms can lay eggs every week after maturity. The cocoons of the red wiggler each hatch two or three worms after three weeks. Reproduction can be stimulated by adding sources of food high in calcium to composting bins, such as crushed egg shells.

Benefits

Known for their strong affinity for composting, red wiggler worms can be used in small areas to break down organic waste such as kitchen scraps and water-soaked paper products like newspaper or cardboard. These worms have the ability to be used in large bins, composting heaps or private indoor composting boxes. This means that whether you live in the country or a small apartment in the center of a metropolis, these worms can adapt to your needs.

Function

Typically found in manure, leaf litter and other organically rich matter, red wiggler worms ingest microbes like protozoa that colonize organic matter. The organic matter that is ingested is passed through the digestive system of the worm and a body that encompasses five hearts. The matter excreted from the worm is rich in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, which are key nutrients for plant life. Scientists have also found that worm castings from these worms are low in harmful pathogens like biosolids.

Misconceptions

Unlike night-crawlers and many other species of worms found in the ground, red wigglers are not burrowers and need lots of air to live. Since sunlight can harm these worms, it is advised that care for composting heaps be done at night or under a red light source. Red worms do not have teeth but use strong mouth muscles to mash their food. For this reason, red wigglers must have food that is organic and slightly moist for easy feeding.

References

• Red Worm Composting: Quick Facts About Worm Composting
• Wonder Worman: Amazing & Weird Worm Facts
• Planet Natural: Composting Worms - FAQ

Resources

• Three Trees Farm: WORM-A-RAMA
• City Farmer: Composting With Red Wiggler Worms