Worm Digest - Re:Worm Parasite?

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avidwormer
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 38

Worm Parasite? - 2008/05/17 23:53 Hi There,

I'm new to this forum, though I feel like I know you all since I've been reading through the content here. Very informative!

One thing I couldn't find any information about, though. I've been investigating my worm bins and have noticed that there seems to be a very tiny white wormy mite or something that clusters all over the dead worms. Now I've noticed a few live worms with the same thing on various parts of their bodies along with swelling, sliminess, poor coloring etc. Does anyone know what that is? Should I be concerned? Most of the worms in those bins are perfectly healthy and there are plenty of eggs etc. so they seem to be fine. Though there are quite a few dead ones showing up at the surface and covered in these white things.

Also, aside from this parasite(??)thing is it good practice to remove all dead worms from the bin. Or are they nourishing for the other worms. I've read some old books which suggested that chicken and meat etc is good for the worms, just bad smelling and takes a while to break down etc. If that is so, than I would suspect that dead worms may be even healthier than chicken. Any thoughts?

Avidwormer Avidwormer

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avidwormer
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 38

Re:Worm Parasite? - 2008/05/18 16:36 Perhaps these are just spring tails. I found a site last night that said these guys will feed on dead worms and also on weak live worms. I've removed all affected worms from the bins (live and dead). Hopefully, the situation will resolve itself.

After reading Worm Wrangler's response to Anthony, I'm guessing the common wisdom is to remove dead worms as they would represent a feedstock of meat. This is consistent with recommendations in "Worms Eat My Garbage."

The reason I asked, though, is that the worms tend to be fattest in bins where a few delivery casualties have been tossed in. They do disappear quickly, either by worm consumption or by the other critters in the bins. The fattening also happens quite quickly following these additions (within about 3 days). Something to ponder, I guess. Avidwormer

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