Is Your Worm Bin Population Exploding? + Unwanted Guests!! | Vermicompost Worm Farm

[@Vermicompost]

Below are some of the items I use for vermicomposting & my channel's videos. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you if you use these links. Thank you for supporting this channel! Worm Bins I use: Vermihut 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin amzn.to/3Xs1eGe Urban Worm Bag V2 amzn.to/3XE9QsT 20 Gallon Fabric Grow Pots amzn.to/3EBYhdr 3 gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck tote amzn.to/3eKDLhO Other Worm Bins: Worm Factory 360 3-Tray Version amzn.to/3AHnjqK Worm Factory 360 5-Tray Version amzn.to/3tYfWY4 Bus bins amzn.to/3fd8AvP Equipment I use: 12 Sheet Cross Cut Micro Shredder (I use it to shred cardboard) amzn.to/3xYZKYu Magic Bullet Small Blender (to pulverize egg shells) amzn.to/3gwEzb4 Indoor Outdoor Wireless Thermometer for worm bin amzn.to/3wIdXbO Additional thermometer sensors 433 MHz amzn.to/41juD7v Please make sure Thermometer & sensor are the same MHz Additional thermometer sensors 915MHz amzn.to/3WTFgua Please make sure Thermometer & sensor are the same MHz Kitchen scale to weigh worms & food: amzn.to/3HnOQjg Blue gloves amzn.to/3XsBg5n Spray bottles to mist bedding amzn.to/3Fq23rN Digital handheld Thermometer amzn.to/3EWfC2j Compost Tea Bags amzn.to/3fCb5o1 Solar powered light amzn.to/3nOucAq Reusable Keurig Coffee K-cups amzn.to/3FNXvt6 Other useful equipment for worm farming: 5 stackable sifter with different sized mesh: amzn.to/3S2k184 Cameras & camera equipment I use: GoPro HERO11 amzn.to/3jkRpLa Flexible Tripod amzn.to/3CGTjcF Insta360 GO 2 camera amzn.to/3oxCc80 Insta360 One X2 camera amzn.to/3nqV6hp iPhone 13 Max Pro amzn.to/3nq52aU Canon EOS Rebel T8i amzn.to/3HcBuX6 4 Ocean bracelets I wear Multiple colors to chose from bracelets amzn.to/3HMbHEx Books on worms & worm farming Worms Eat My Garbage amzn.to/3L4FXN2 Where to buy worms: www.TheGardenAndWormLady.com

[@ale-iensbrewery8871]

Amazing shot of the cocoons hatching. The bin looks really healthy. We live in the North of England and we always get jealous when we see your temperatures. My worms have asked if they need a green card as they want to move to Florida as they are very cold.

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! We love all our visitors and new residents alike over here in Florida!! Your worms are certainly welcome!! 😂 The first place I took my family overseas out of the country was to England!! So many great memories!! Thanks so much for the fun comment and of course thanks for watching!!🪱🪱🪱

[@hikingontario]

Your amazing footage was greatly appreciated, and I hope you have an incredible weekend!😃😃✅✅❤❤

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you so much for dropping by to watch!! I appreciate the well wishes!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with good hiking weather!!🪱🪱🪱

[@cramersbackyard9634]

The one cocoon bin update (began with one cocoon in two separate small food containers on 3/18/23) 04/23/23 Searched each container for any activity. In one of the containers a still unhatched cocoon was noted, in the other a tiny wisp was noted, it was nearly transparent and looked to be very freshly hatched. Did not see the cocoon in the container with the wisp, so it is not known if there is another worm yet to crawl out from it. In a couple of weeks I'll go through the containers again and note any additional activity.

[@Vermicompost]

Oh wow, 5 weeks on, you must have started with a very fresh cocoon or it just waited until it liked the conditions! I should have been more patient and waited to see if more than one worm hatched from each of those two cocoons. Thanks for the update!! And thanks so much for watching!!🪱🪱🪱

[@cramersbackyard9634]

@@Vermicompost still waiting to see if there will be more than one worm per cocoon. I should be a doctor! I mean obviously I have at least a bit of patience lol!

[@Vermicompost]

At the least you should be a research scientist!! That's what I would have done if I hadn't gone on to Pilot Training in the Air Force after I got my Biology degree.

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

I’ve had soldier flies in my outdoor bins here in Louisiana. I’ve always allowed them run their course.

[@Vermicompost]

Thanks for the info Joe!! I've read articles and heard folks talk about BSFL overwhelming a bin but I think I've only heard from one commentor warning me about it...but I'm not sure if that was from their personal experience or them just repeating what they have heard. Your experience adds to my thoughts that they are not anything to be worried about in a worm bin...at least not down south!! I usually let them run their course as well, but seeing so many young ones this early in the season, my gut reaction was to get them out!! Thanks for stopping by to watch!! And congrats on 23K and climbing!! I see one of my favorite shorts of yours has hit over 1 million views!! I loves seeing you make fire from a light bulb & the sun!! One is point, two is a line...one more over a million and you got a trend going!!! Thanks so much for watching and thanks for your continued support!!🪱🪱🪱

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Anita is the Best !! Too bad you don't have Chickens, they love BSL. Those systems are next level!! Will eat anything!! That's fascinating that indoor bins have population increases aswell in summer, I can't think as to why ?? Awesome tips and vid brother !! Have a great weekend!! Cheers J&C 🌱🪱👍🤜🤛

[@Vermicompost]

I would love to have chickens!! And bees!!! I'd probably start an BSFL bin if I had chickens! The indoor population increase in the spring & summer is fascinating to me...it's like they know!!! But I don't know🤣😂🤣 Thanks for all the kind words and the continued 100% video watching achievement!!🪱🪱🪱

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Patrick and Autumn, from Windermere...just a stones throw away ❤ Wow! Birthing video to start off👍 Nice shout out to FlowerFolk farms! Anita is my BFF from Australia ❤ Nice to hear you are both counting the babies ❤Peggy❤

[@Vermicompost]

Good morning Peggy!!! I was so excited I saw the cocoons hatching and the worms being born!! They are so cute!! Anita is wonderful!! Don't tell her, but you're my favorite retired florist!! I was busy messing with the bin after we harvested and Autumn, as she is combing through the castings with here hands, says "there are so many cocoons!! Do you want to count them?" Sometimes I think she is enjoying this more than me!! Thanks so much for watching Peggy, have a wonderful Florida Spring weekend!!!🪱🪱🪱

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

I hate Black Soldier flies LOL!!!!! I pick them out because they can heat up your bin and fast.

[@Vermicompost]

That makes sense!! I thought I saw them in my regular compost (after it hit the hot spike and was supposed to be cooling down) because they loved the heat but I think they were helping to generate some of the heat now! If I find anymore than a few in a cluster I'll chuck them out and feed the lizards running around the garden! You saved me from my first outdoor worm bin accidental heating, you might have just saved me again😂 Thanks so much for stopping by to watch Vee!!🪱🪱🪱

[@UrbanWormCompany]

Great work!

[@Vermicompost]

Thanks Steve!! I appreciate you taking the time to watch & comment!! I am absolutely loving my Urban Worm Bag by the way!! Amazing product!!🪱🪱🪱

[@michaelbowman7398]

I dedicate a outdoor mulch bin to black soldier fly larvae only. They are beasts when it comes to getting rid of food scraps. Love my worm bin as well, but they just can't eat as much as the soldier fly larvae

[@Vermicompost]

That’s awesome!! BSFL are incredible are turning food scraps (and animal carcasses) into bigger BSFL!!! If I had chickens or reptiles I’d have a BSFL bin for sure!! Thanks so much for watching & telling us about how well your BSFL bin demolishes food scraps!!🪱🪱🪱

[@texaspatty4697]

Yup. In north Texas. In my keyhole garden (with a composting center).

[@Vermicompost]

I think we get them first down south...not sure why these don't gross me out like a house fly larvae does (I don't even like to use the m-word) Probably because they are so helpful and the flies themselves mind their own business and don't land on me or my food or try to get in the house!! Thanks so much for watching and letting us know where you get BSFL Patty!!🪱🪱🪱

[@TheWormLady2]

I always soak my dry leaves in hot water for a few hours first before feeding them to my worms. :)-Vee

[@Vermicompost]

That is a good idea!! That probably would have killed or at least taken off the BSFL right?

[@amypeterson7463]

I love that your wife helps. I like it better when you use her name……and when you use her voice in your videos. You have helped me so much and I am so thankful I found your channel

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! We are so glad you found our videos helpful!! I like to call her The Executive Producer because she wanted noting to do with the worms or my videos at first. Then she slowly started helping me know what to do (bossing me around😂) from behind the camera...So she essentially produces each video!!😂🤣😂 She is super shy on camera (not in real life) and I have to beg and plea with her to let me throw a picture up occasionally to let you all know who I'm talking about! She always tries to make me edit her voice out too! She's getting more comfortable and she really got in on the action with this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6G0lGefi5uijNk Thanks so much for all your support of Autumn and me on our channel! We really appreciate it Amy!!🪱🪱🪱

[@tiffany7023]

Does coffee make worms reproduce faster?

[@Vermicompost]

I’m not sure if the spent coffee makes them reproduce faster but it sure doesn’t slow them down! It is such a great way to dispose of the used coffee grounds and get those nutrients into the garden while feeding my worms!! They seem to love it!! Thanks so much for watching Tiffany!!🪱🪱🪱

[@tiffany7023]

@@Vermicompost No, thank you for teaching! 😊

[@cathyplantlover2862]

Every time I use a cloth pot to compost in the worms try to burrow through it, I have the same type of grow bags that you have do you have that experience with your worms?

[@Vermicompost]

I have my bin directly on the ground and I do think there is the occasional exchange of worms, but I don't have any burrow holes or things like that. If anything I think it is wild compost worms maybe trying to get in as the concentration of what they like is better in the bin than anywhere else on my property. When I harvest, I sometimes find them wiggled through the stitching within the bin as I think they like to feel resistance against their bodies to help them move. So I guess the short answer is no I don't see the worms trying to burrow through my fabric pot bin, like when I lift it up or anything like that, just an occasional worm below the bin in the dirt. I hope this helps! Unless you see a mass exodus I would just keep doing what you're doing because what is in the bin will be much more irresistible to them than what is out of the bin...they don't try to go somewhere to breed or make a home...home is where the food is😀 Thanks so much for asking a great question and watching!!🪱🪱🪱

[@mllokie9075]

Super cool catching burying in camera like that

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! I was so surprised when I saw them!! Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@sandyjoao4489]

My favourite....bin as always. Looking great Patrick. The ball looks like mince.

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you Sandy!! This bin is always entertaining!! That worm ball did look like mince😆 Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@AJsGreenTopics]

What do you do with the BSF larva?

[@Vermicompost]

If there are some lizards near by, I give them a few but these I just tossed in my regular compost pile. If I had chickens I’d feed them as a treat with the BSFL. Thanks so much for stopping by to watch AJ!!🪱🪱🪱

[@bleachedben]

Bro..sweet hatching video!!

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! It took me by surprise! First time I’ve ever caught them hatching!! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

Wow there was a lot of the BSFL in the bin. Where did you put them? That was pretty cool seeing some of the cocoons hatching. One of the first times I’ve seen that happen, at least unexpected like that.

[@Vermicompost]

That was a big surprise for me as well!! I knew I'd see some soon since our temperatures are staying warm, but so many at once...they must have come in from the banana leaves. I put them in my regular compost pile. I usually get quite a few in there and they can really tolerate fairly high temperatures for an insect! That is the first time I've ever caught worms hatching from a cocoon!! and to have two at once was a bonus!!! This bin is hopping!!! Thanks for dropping by Rick!!🪱🪱🪱

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

@@Vermicompost I just emptied a couple grow bags and one had a bunch of grubs. I wish I had some chickens cause they would of had a feast.

[@Vermicompost]

@@GardeningwithBarchuckin Oh ya, they would have!! When I find grubs I chuck them in the back yard in the hopes that a bird will see it and eat them!!

[@A-V]

They did a great job on that last big feeding. Those BSF larvae all looked very small.... they must be fairly young still. Not sure why, but it seemed to me like last year I had far fewer BSFs in my compost barrel & outdoor worm bag than I had seen in previous years. Considering the way you fold over the fabric to cover up the container, I'm surprised that the BSFs were able to sneak in there to lay their eggs :)

[@Vermicompost]

I felt like I had less BSFL in my worm bin & compost last year as well! I think these BSFL must have come in on the banana plant leaves...Most folks (me included) let the banana plant leaves fall down and mulch the banana plants where they create a little compost pile...I'm sure the black soldier flies make good use of this abundance of food for them. I must have picked one of the leaves off the pile that had some tiny eggs or little larvae on them. If that is not how they got there then the black soldier flies must be masters at mazes because it is quite a few twists and turns to get through all the folds of the top of my bin like you said! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch AV!!🪱🪱🪱

[@A-V]

That makes sense. Especially in those quantities. I mean... I don't know how many eggs a fly produces, but what you have there appears to be more than what one clever maze-running fly could account for :)

[@Vermicompost]

@@A-V I agree, that had to be more than one clutch of egg laying! But I know for sure they know how to run the maze into the bin because I get them every year without me introducing leaves!

[@A-V]

Those BSFs are resourceful little buggers alright! Amazing how they find their way into the system despite the efforts made to keep unwanted visitors out :)

[@vesgardens]

Your bin is population goals!

[@Vermicompost]

😀It’s a rowdy bin for sure! They really populate quickly in the spring and summer for me! Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@TheDungeon-Master]

Awsome hatchling. 😮

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! I was surprised they were hatching right there in front of me!! Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@NanasWorms]

Hi Patrick, that's the first time I've heard anyone explain that the BSF adult fly hangs around the bin. I always wondered how people raised BSF if the flies just always flew away! My outdoor leaves bring in pill bugs and the occasional millipede, which I don't mind, and sometimes centipedes, which I do. ~ Sandra

[@Vermicompost]

I have seen some set ups where they have them in big, almost mesh, canary cages to kinda keep them corralled but out in the open or in nature they're kinda hard to find, because they don't move much and just sit there looking like a wasp!! Once I figured out what they looked like, then I noticed them just chilling on different things around my compost pile...You would think there would be swarms of them based on how many larvae they produce!! I think if I put the banana leaves in during winter, I wouldn't have had a problem...I think the BSF know banana leaves kinda end up as a tiny compost pile around the banana plants, perfect moisture and lots of them right at the base, so maybe they evolved to help each other out...insect frask for the roots and plenty of food for the BSFL??!? Nature is amazing!! I'm surprised I've never seen a pill bug in the bin! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch Sandra!!🪱🪱🪱

[@michaelbowman7398]

Yeah, I see bsf adults quite often. They don't bother humans like houseflies. Usually see them hanging out on plants or in the mulch bin

[@Vermicompost]

@@michaelbowman7398 Yep, thats where I'm seeing some of them too! Thanks for describing where you see them...I'm sure now that people know where to look they'll start seeing them as well!!🪱🪱🪱

[@GLG_YT]

I just realized your channel name is vermicompost learn by doing but I am watching your video not do that LOL 😂

[@Vermicompost]

🤣😂🤣 Well you're watching and learning by doing!! I wish I had a worm bin when I was your age!! You know way more about gardening and vermicomposting then I ever knew back then!! Thanks so much for watching and for the good laugh!!🪱🪱🪱

[@GLG_YT]

@@Vermicompost lol and yes I do know a lot for my age

[@Vermicompost]

Yes!!

[@tory464]

❤🪱Great content as always,Thank you so much.✌

[@tory464]

💚👍 insect frask

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you Tory!! I really appreciate all your support!!🪱🪱🪱

[@Vermicompost]

Yes, insect frass!! Thank you, as I was filming I couldn't think of the word!!😂

[@CH-oj7kv]

When I lived in Florida I had soldier flies, but they never overwhelmed my bins.

[@Vermicompost]

Another good piece of data!! I have yet to personally hear from someone that BSFL overwhelmed their bin, but I hear dire warnings about it online and in other worm videos! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch & pass on your BSFL experience!!🪱🪱🪱

[@CH-oj7kv]

@@Vermicompost Maybe a sacrificial bin is in order. One where you intentionally ignore the BSFL. Could make for some good videos and data on just how bad it has to get before the tipping point. (If there is a tipping point)

[@Vermicompost]

@@CH-oj7kv That is a very intriguing idea...It would have to be a fairly mature bin with a good population to make sure it's not an easy task for the BSFL!! The worms and BSFL do coexist in my regular compost pile, but the BSFL seem to love the warmer, border line hot zones and the worms like it a little "cooler". This is a very good idea you've come up with!!

[@trassl3celick304]

Oop am I first

[@Vermicompost]

Yes! Thanks for jumping in to watch this video so quickly!!I appreciate the support!!🪱🪱🪱

[@trassl3celick304]

Notice me

[@Vermicompost]

😀 So glad you could stop by!! I hope you enjoyed the video!!🪱🪱🪱

[@jerroldhoward45]

Can a urban worm bag handle 8000 red wigglers

[@Vermicompost]

I think my Urban Worm Bin has somewhere between 6-10k compost worms: kzbin.info/aero/PLimznaPXKV09Jg8S3xp-08eOoTN21S2Q1 I started with 3100 added over 3 months and now 9 months later it has really been accelerating in eating and producing castings. My guess is an Urban Worm Bag can easily hold 15-20 pounds of worms! I hope this helps!! Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@jerroldhoward45]

@Vermicompost thanks I've got 5000 and want more. Just learning to control the moisture level with the number of worms I have now. Moisture was fine when I had 1000 worms but more feeding means more cardboard and coco coir

[@Vermicompost]

It is an adjustment especially where they hit that tipping point and the population just explodes!!

[@karensterling5246]

Hi Patrick. Here in Fort Lauderdale I keep a separate bin dedicated to bsf. They do find their way into my outdoor worm bins but I don’t discourage them. If I’m ever overwhelmed with them I have some blue jays, grackles and even lizards who would just feast on them. But, hopefully it won’t ever get to that extreme. I loved the footage of the wisps hatching from their cocoons. You guys are doing a phenomenal job with your vermicomposting. Take care🌿🌸🦋

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you for the kind words Karen!! That's pretty cool you have a dedicated BSFL bin!! I haven't have any trouble with them the last three summers here in Tampa but this was the most (and so young) I have seen in one spot this early in the season. I do like feeding them to the lizards as well! I was so excited to catch those baby worms hatching!! I've never been lucky enough to see it live before this...The thing that surprised me the most is they are pink right out of the cocoon!! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and tell us about your BSFL bin and how you haven't had them overwhelm a worm bin either!!🪱🪱🪱

[@evelynknight5627]

Looking great! I've never had BSFL in my bins as they are all indoors, but it's interesting to get to know a little more about them through others and their bins. I'm low-key freaked out by them, but I am slowly getting over it as they seem fairly innocuous.

[@Vermicompost]

Thank you!! I am low-key a little freaked out by them still and I was a pretty panicked the first summer I saw them!! My wife on the other hand is totally not into them at all! 😂 I had to do a little sound editing on this one when I uncovered them, as she is the executive producer behind the camera!! Thanks so much for stopping by to watch!!🪱🪱🪱

[@flowerfolkfarm3553]

Oh gosh Patrick that’s gotta be a first!! Worms born live on KZbin !!! 😅🪱🙌🏼 interesting that they slow down with reproduction during winter, I guess it’s their quiet time too :) ohhhh YAAAAAAAAAAY you got some flowers hahahaha you know I am loving that, thanks so much guys, you’re so kind 💓💐💓 I am a big fan of your channel & your wormies 😊💐 🙌🏼🪱 nice Timelapse too !! hope you guys are having an amazing week!! 🐝💓💐🌻🪱

[@Vermicompost]

Helloooo Anita!! Yes we love your channel and following your adventures with the flower farm! You have such a wonderful family puppy dogs included!! I was so surprised to look down and see those baby worms being born!! It was the first time I have ever seen that in person!! This bin is really ramping up!! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop and thanks so much for all the support of us and our channel!!🪱🪱🪱

[@flowerfolkfarm3553]

@@Vermicompost you are so welcome guys, and right back at ya xx🪱🌻🐝💐💓

[@thephildiamond]

Thanks for another great video! I'm on day 4 of my first DIY bin and this morning there were still about 6 or 7 out of 2000 that are trying to be escape artists. Are they still just stressed from getting shipped and becoming familiar with their new home? Will they eventually be more chill and just stay in their bedding? Thank you!

[@Vermicompost]

You're doing great on day 4!! Having a few worms climb up the walls is totally normal, especially if the sides of the bin are moist with condensation. If you want, you can take off any lid you may have on and leave the bin in a room with a light on for 48 hours and this will help settle those few scouts down. You are correct, they may still be a little stressed from the dehydrated commute to their new awesome home! In a day or two check on any feeding you gave them and feed them a little more (or less) if they have eaten most of their first feeding!! I love that you started with 2000...like I said before that is the perfect amount to get started and you can really see how much food they have eaten when you have that many! Keep up the good work!! Thanks so much for dropping by to watch again!!🪱🪱🪱

[@thephildiamond]

@@Vermicompost Thanks so much for taking the time to drop all this knowledge on me it means a lot. I watched your video about starting a new bin and have tried to follow all of your instructions, but my cat makes it hard to leave the lid off of the bin for any real length of time unsupervised. Way more were trying to escape today so I've moved the bin into the bathtub with the lights on and the door closed. Hopefully that'll do the trick. Thanks again for all the help!

[@KoLuX57]

If you give frozen food to worms, won't it hurt them?

[@Vermicompost]

Great question!! Frozen food does not hurt the worms. I do try to thaw it out a little before I feed them, but the worms can sense the cold temperature and move away from the food until it is warmer. Freezing food is a good way to help break down the food so the worms can eat it faster if you want to try it with your worms. How is your worm bin doing? Thanks so much for the great question, and thanks for watching!!🪱🪱🪱

[@KoLuX57]

@@Vermicompost In the place where I give them food after a week there is such a depression, I know that they coped with what I gave them to eat. There are a lot of cocoons and young worms. I also give them frozen food, it's good for me because the food doesn't spoil, I feed them once a week I don't think it's too often...cheers and I watch your videos every time they come out.

[@Vermicompost]

Your bin is doing fantastic and it sounds like you are doing everything right!! Cocoons and young worms are a great sign of a happy healthy bin!! Feeding them once a week is a good feeding interval. Keep up the good work!!

[@KoLuX57]

@@Vermicompost Where did those white worms come from in your container, any larvae?

[@Vermicompost]

Yes those are larvae from a black soldier fly. Black soldier flies are mimic flys...the mimic wasps. The do not bother people or land on food. The larvae are used to compost and some people feed their chickens with them. I have a video where I show them older and fatter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haGlnmOJdpmDo9E I sometimes see these larvae in my outdoor worm bin in the summer time. Great question!!

[@colleenmcbride3656]

I started a small indoor bin in a large container in February. Started with just 12 worms in there. In two weeks I found 6 baby worms. A month later I have 25 adult worms and about 50 babies. Then another 2 weeks later, hundreds of babies and 28 adults. It was so surprising to see all the babies!

[@Vermicompost]

Now that is what I call a population explosion!! In a couple more months you'll have hundreds of adults on your way to thousands!! Keep up the good work & slowly increase your feeding & bedding as they eat more food!! Thanks so much for sharing how fast your population is growing & of course thanks for watching!!🪱🪱🪱

[@colleenmcbride3656]

@@Vermicompost Thank you for all of your videos! They've helped me fearlessly take care of my worms!

[@Vermicompost]

I'm so glad you are enjoying them!!!