| The followings are the conditions that are bad to | | | | worms would normally surface to avoid drowning. |
| the earthworm habitat and how to make it | | | | If the worm bin is wet, best to drain the excess |
| better: | | | | water using the tap normally attached in the |
| 1) when it is too hot | | | | bottom most container. |
| Earthworms cannot survive beyond temperature | | | | 5) when the soil becomes too acidic or too alkaline |
| of 90F or higher. They will become inactive if it is | | | | Earthworms has limited digestive system and |
| too hot and die. Best temperature should be | | | | therefore it requires a certain acidity level to |
| below 80F. Do not exposed the earthworms to | | | | predigest the food. But it is not good to the |
| direct sunlight and hot environment. If the worm | | | | earthworms if its too acidic or too alkaline. The |
| bin is place outdoor, best to put in a shade or | | | | soil or bedding should be maintained around ph |
| garage. | | | | neutral level.Best ph reading would be around |
| 2) when it is too dry | | | | ph6.0 to ph 7.0 reading. |
| The earthworm needs a damp, dark and moist | | | | 6) Effect of agricultural pesticides |
| environment and need to keep its body moist as | | | | Fungicides and fumigants is toxic and harmful to |
| it breathe through its skin. Earthworm needs | | | | earthworms. So it is best to avoid the use of |
| adequate moisture for growth and survival. | | | | pesticides to kill any insects or ants that may |
| Sprinkle some water on the bedding in the worm | | | | invades the worm bin which will instead do harm |
| bin to provide extra moisture. | | | | to the worms.If there are ants in the worm bin, |
| 3) when the weather is too cold. | | | | place the legs of the worm bin in a container of |
| In freezing temperature worms will die. The ideal | | | | water. |
| temperature for the earthworm growth and | | | | 7) aerationthe earthworm will die when there is no |
| activity would be in the range of 60 to 80 F. Put | | | | oxygen, so it is important that the bedding in the |
| the worm bin in your home, maybe in the kitchen | | | | worm bin is loosely pile and not tight to allow |
| during the winter months. | | | | adequate air circulation. The worm bin must have |
| 4) when it is wet | | | | enough holes for proper ventilation. But cover the |
| The earthworms will drown when the soil or | | | | holes with wire mesh to avoid insects from |
| bedding is soggy wet. It will drive the worms | | | | coming in. |
| away. You will notice that during rainy days | | | | |