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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum
mandyf
User

A Fertile Cocoon
Posts: 2
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 Compost, worms, and other critters - 2005/09/28 15:31 I love my red wigglers. I take great pleasure in feeding them, harvesting their gift and then adding it to my indoor plants.
I am wondering about the other critters, the itty-bitty white bugs, in my new soil. I know that they are part of the process and I expect them in my compost, but what about in my houseplants after? I just noticed the top soil of one plant is almost white with them!
What exactly are these, will they eventually die off in my plant containers? Or should I not worry about them...

BTW, I really like this website.

Mandy
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Bob Ingram
Visitor

A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 156
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 Re:Compost, worms, and other critters - 2005/09/28 16:33 Hi, Mandy. Sounds like mites...let your bedding dry somewhat, and hold off feeding for a while, they should disappear..Seeya, Bob www.trinity-ranch.com
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 684
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 Re:Compost, worms, and other critters - 2005/09/28 21:01 Try looking on: happydranch.com Check out their "invertebrate" page. See if you can identify the creature there. Check back here and let me know. Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth.
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mandyf
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A Fertile Cocoon
Posts: 2
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 Re:Compost, worms, and other critters - 2005/09/28 21:55 I was thrown by their colour, because in other descriptions I'd read they are red, but these are white mites. They don't bother me in the bin (although I do need to get a better drainage system) but I noticed them on a soil of a new plant cutting that I had added castings to and they were all over the top. This plant has been sitting in a bright sunny window, so I'm surprised to have seen the mites. From what I've read on happydranch (thanks for the suggestion) they should not be thriving in the sunlight. The soil is pretty moist because I'm trying to get roots in the cutting (which is coming along very well, now if I only knew what the plant is... some succulent my aunt gave me from her house as she cleared out a room full of plants).
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amystew
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A Hatchling Earthworm
Posts: 24
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 Re:Compost, worms, and other critters - 2005/09/29 13:53 It is true that if you bring fresh worm castings indoors, some critter is likely to "hitchhike" and show up inside. When I start seeds, I use a sterile seed starting mix, but water with a tea made of worm castings and water. That way, I can get some of the benefits of worm castings but not worry as much about who might be moving indoors with them. Just a thought... Amy Stewart
Worms of Endearment
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum

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