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Worms in compost bin lid?

nikki 7nikki 7 Posts: 111
in Problem solving
Hello folks.
I have a large plastic compost bin, which I keep well stocked with veg peelings etc.  But when I take off the lid to put more scraps inside, I find the lid has masses of worms clinging to the inside of it?  Anyone know why this would be?  Many thanks
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Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I've found this before.  It seems to happen when the compost gets a bit warm.  I pick them off, pop them back on the surface with a scattering of old soil/compost over them and leave the lid off for an hour or 2.  You may have to do that more than once until the cold weather sets in. 
  • nikki 7nikki 7 Posts: 111
    I hadn't thought of that as a reason!  Could well be, as it is sited in a full sunshine area of the garden.
    Many thanks Philippa
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    I've always found this to be the case, and assumed it was a sign of a healthy compost heap. 
    I'm too squeamish to pick them off by hand, as @philippasmith2 does. However, I keep an old brush from a dustpan and brush set, in the shed, and use it to brush any such creatures into the compost bin, rather than squash them as I put the lid back on.
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    I love the worms. I get so many on the lid that clumps of them fall on my bare feet when I open the bin. They are a part of the system and once a bin is closed down so that it can mature, the worms disappear to the next bin and the woodlice take over for a while.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    That will work with inter connecting bins where the worms, woodlice etc can easily nip from one to another.  Certainly the best set up if possible but single/stand alone bins need a wee bit more help at times  ;)
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    True.
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Happens in my plastic dalek as well. Another vote for just leaving the lid off for a bit. Loads of worms can only be a good sign ;)  
    East Lancs
  • nikki 7nikki 7 Posts: 111
    Thanks very much folks for your replies.  Much appreciated.
    Nikki7
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Same here as @Biglad says,  they need air,  leave the lid slightly ajar. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
    yes I get that too & always presume it’s a good sign. Very useful too as I’m a fisherman and it’s the easiest way of getting worms … nature provides yet again ;)
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