Worm Digest - Re:Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ

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nasty bugger
User

A Fertile Cocoon

Posts: 5

Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ - 2009/03/17 00:06 Anyone have any tips on this.
I currently have three 18 gallon totes, for a month or so now, in my closet, cause my first batch melted due to heat last fall.
I am ready to start splitting them and feeding them much better to get the supply up. I am wanting to go to the high country but at this point it's not happening, so handling the phoenix heat, when all I have is a evaporative cooler and spare bedroom that also has snakes and turtles and tarantula's and mice in it is the task at hand.
I've tried to keep my worms, red wigglers, near 70 degrees, which has been difficult since my apt wants to get into the high 70's to low 80's this early in the spring.
I know when the real heat hits, this weekend it's forcasted to hit 90 degrees here, that I will have to keep them in my bedroom, with the portable A/C unit, so they don't melt, and till I get the evaporative cooler working.
What do you suggest for after I split the bins, and have more bins than my closet will handle, yet keep the worms happy and productive?
Any suggestion for feeds that will also help them handle the higher temps better?

I know I could look into some other breed of worm that handles the higher temps, but for now I have the red wigglers and money is too tight to go for the others, unless there's a trade at hand.
If I move to the high country then the reds should be fine, but for now I'm stuck in the low country

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jasdip
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 43

Re:Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ - 2009/03/17 07:32 A lot of people put frozen bottles of water in their bins, when they are outside in heat.

You can also freeze your food, then put it in the bins frozen (in one corner). You'll need to put extra amount of dry shreds in to soak up the extra moisture.

Can you leave the lid off? That would help circulate the air. Southwestern Ont.
Canada

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digger51
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 33

Re:Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ - 2009/03/18 07:57 Hey Bugger,
I spent 20 years living in Show Low I know how much better the mountains are than the desert. Back in Missouri now in the beautiful Ozarks.
Give Tom a call at acme worm farm down in Tucson and see if he has any help for you. You can search him on the net. Easy to find.

Digger

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digger51
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 33

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nasty bugger
User

A Fertile Cocoon

Posts: 5

Re:Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ - 2009/03/20 19:29 Thanks Jas, I may have to try that if I don't move north this summer.
Thanks Digger, I'm considering moving back up there to open a shop and get out of this rat race here in Phoenix. I was up there yesterday and the days before for my nephews birthday, and it was nice

I lived in concho off and on since 76, so I know the show low area well.
Not real familiar with alot of people there in show low, 'cept some of the one's I went to NPC with, but know that area well

My dad's side of the family is in the ozark area there, so I've been there also

We have a family reunion there every summer, when we go back to attend.

Thanks, I'll get ahold of Tom.
Currently I'm leaving them in the closet in my a/c bedroom, with the mice over them, but not dropping into them, yet, if it will be healthy enough for both of them.

Post edited by: nasty bugger, at: 2009/03/20 19:32

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jamsters
User

A Fertile Cocoon

Posts: 1

Re:Heat and how to handle it in Phoenix AZ - 2009/03/27 23:08 HI Bugger,

I live in Perth AU. During the summer months it can get to 100+ for days on end. I keep my worm bins cool by using water frozen in 2 liter bottles. Usually 2 per bin placed on top of a wetted section of newspaper. We have a spare fridge here so always have at least 2 bottles in the freezer ready to go at any time.

Good luck.
Jackie

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