Mass of worms in compost bin

[malcolmbrabbin]

My compost bin seems to be acquiring more and more worms.
Opening the lid there is a ball of small worms in the top.
Although I expected worms I just didn't expect the quantity.
Should I remove them or leave them where they are?

[Westi]

I'd say leave them as they are obviously happy in there and will be aiding the breakdown and keeping it sweet by allowing some air in. (Not that I'm a compost expert mind).

Westi

[Nature's Babe]

Be glad, wormcast is great fertiliser, take care of your worms and they will cultivate / airate the soil for you. I spread compost after rain, then mulch on top with straw/ dried weeds / dried grass clippings etc to keep the moisture from evaporating - worms will come right up to the surface and work the compost and mulch into the soil for you leaves a fine tilth and moist soil, I plant directly through the mulch, replacing mulch around the plants - mulch keeps weeds in check too.

[Johnboy]

Hi Malcolm,
I really do not wish to dampen your enthusiasm but to me a ball of worms is the sign of a mole in your compost heap. Certainly worms entwine but not normally in balls but worms that have been attacked by a mole do.
The worm have normally been immobilised by being bitten by a mole.
The bottoms of my compost heaps are protected against moles (of which we have many here) by the use of expanded metal lath as used by plasterers.
The EML will allow worms into the compost but excludes the moles.
The only time I have seem a ball of worms is after an attack by a mole.
JB.

[Arnie]

Hi Johnboy,

This is what I love about your post's always lean something new

Thank You

Arnie

[Urban Fox]

There are other reasons why worms clump into a ball. Usually it is because they are feeling a bit stressed. Typical things that cause balling are:-

>>They are too cold - not likely at the moment
>>Too warm
>>Too wet - is your bin covered?
>>Composting material they don't like - onions and oranges

That said the are resiliant little guys and should be back to composting in no time.

[malcolmbrabbin]

It is a plastic compost bin which rules out a mole. Could.be too hot and I do compost onion trimmings and orange peel

[peter]

By saying its a plastic one, I assume that either it has a neatly fitting base or it is an off-ground tumbler.

If its a dalek style with no base, moley will think its a rather warm dining room.

[malcolmbrabbin]

Its on a concrete base so no mole access

[kylie_k]

Never knew that moles could attack worms in my compost

[Johnboy]

Hi Malcolm,
In this instance I am very pleased to be proven incorrect. However it would appear that not all is well within your compost heap.
Urban Fox has given you a few more things to ponder and none of them appear to be good.
Worms do not normally act as you say and coiling up together in a ball is certainly not normal activity.
Modern Compost Bins of plastic normally sit on a tray which may prevent Moles from entering the bin but being plastic doesn't stop Rats gnawing a hole given the opportunity and when the Rats have finished there would be room for a Mole. I appreciate that your bin stands on concrete so even I realise that a Mole is not the answer.
JB.

[JohnN]

On the principle of "when life deals you a lemon make lemonade", I suggest you let the local fishing club know about your worm ball