Air Holes In The Worm Factory?

by G

Hi I have a standard Worm Factory that has the lid that fits down INTO the top bin.

Will the lid on top of the wet paper prevent air from getting out and lessen the air flow through the bins?

Should I make some small holes in the side of the bins near the top to let air in or out?

Thanks,
G.

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Jun 08, 2014
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Drilling holes in the worm factory.
by: Dale Robinson

If the lid is touching the top of the food it is time to put on another tier. You should not drill holes in the worm factory! While holes may allow more air flow they also allow worms to escape.

The holes in the lid and on the bottom are sufficient for air flow.

If you are concerned about a lack of air flow, You can increase the amount of air in the worm bin by pouring a cup of water through it. The water will displace the air/gases in the bin but as it drains out the bottom, it draws new air in.

Jun 08, 2014
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Air holes and lid
by: Gordoworm

The lid on my worm factory sits down into the bin, not on top of the bin like the 360 model.
So when the lid is in place, it is always in contact with the food.

I'm not sure if air can get around the edges of the lid because it fits so tightly into the bin. That's why I asked about making holes.

Since I posted the question, I spoke with the seller of the worm factory, and he says not to use the lid at all, and to just leave the top of the food open to the air. This sounds like it would solve the air problem, but I think the worms could get out.

I have another idea in mind, and that is to make a screen in a frame that would fit down onto the top of the bin that would let the air in but also keep the worm in.

Has anyone ever made such a screen that would fit the top of the bin?

Jun 09, 2014
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Air Holes In The Worm Factory?
by: Pauly

Hi Gordoworm,

I've never heard of drilling holes in a worm factory or any other of these type of manufactured plastic, stackable systems.

It doesn't sound like you are having any issues only it seems like you are just wanting optimize your system for max productivity.

I have a 360 and not the original worm factory where the lid is, as you say, recessed into the tray. This design was changed in the worm factory 360 along with increased air flow.

If you are concerned with the lid touching the food then you leave 1 tray empty at top at all times. You can also put very small wooden blocks at each corner to lift lid slightly.

Homemade plastic totes have many holes drilled in them because they are just one big plastic peice and do not breathe well.

The worm factories have trays and even though you have the "Original Worm Factory" it still breathes better than the homemade totes due to the escape of air around the sides of each tray.

My advice on the increased airflow is to add plenty of moist, fluffy carbon material in with other foods/bedding that you use.

This will ensure that plenty of oxygen can get to the microbes for increased decaying of the food. The worms will do the rest. The worms ARE the best aerators as they move throughout the bedding creating several ventilation chambers.

All the best,
~Pauly

Jun 09, 2014
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Air holes
by: Gordo

Thanks Pauly,

I think I have come up with a fix for my question on my own.

What I did was to add a piece of window screen to the bottom of an empty bin and set it in place on top of the lower bin that has the bedding and food. It lets air in and out but keeps the worms from getting out.

I don't use the lid at all now and it seems to be working just fine. Time will tell.

I will have to make something else that works the same way when I need the extra bin later on in the process. Or just get another bin or two.

Thanks,
G.

Jun 09, 2014
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Air Holes In The Worm Factory?
by: Pauly

Gordo,

I am curious though why you have worms coming out of the factory.

If you need help with your bedding/food let me know that too.

worms should never have a reason for wanting to come out of any bin except for the occasional migratory worm but not several.

Let me know if you have a problem with your system.
Thanks
~Pauly

Also check out the cheat-sheet here:

https://www.wormfarmingrevealed.com/five-step-success-to-worm-composting.html

Jun 10, 2014
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Worms Crawling Out.
by: Gordo

Hi Pauly, thanks for commenting on my last post.
I'm afraid I mislead you with my last post, and I want to correct any misunderstanding.

My worms are NOT trying to crawl out of the bin. I only said that the screen would prevent them from crawling out, not that they were.

It was just a precautionary measure on my part. When I go to check on them, they are all nicely hidden in the bedding or just on top of it for a few seconds before diving in to get out of the light.

They seem very healthy and have plumped up nicely after the 5 day trip from the seller. It's only been 3 days, but they seem to be adjusting to their new home very well. I know I should leave them alone, but I can't help checking them out every day.

Question: I've read that they don't eat the coco fiber bedding, and that it only there for them to crawl around in. Is this true?

If so, would it be better to use something else like peat moss that they will eat? Or maybe just card board and paper?

Thanks,
G.

Jun 10, 2014
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Worms Crawling Out
by: Pauly

General rule-of-thumb is...

"If it comes from the ground you can make it brown"

I use coco coir quite a bit and I demonstrate this in some of my videos. It is one of the best bedding material/food for worms as it holds moisture extremely well and air moves through it very easily.

If cardboard can turn into worm castings then coir will too. It's also a great stimulator for cocoon production. Not as cheap as peat moss or paper but wonderful bedding.

Don't be too concerned about disturbing the worms this is very common for those just getting into vermicomposting and if you're a "worm nut" like me then you'll still do it frequently.

You'll get more production out of them if left alone as much as possible as they tend to think you're a predator.

Thanks for writing Gordo,
~Pauly

Jun 10, 2014
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Coco
by: Gordo

That's great, as I have lots of coco that I use to plant some of my more exotic plants in.

I'm sure it will be a few months before I need to add a second bin but when I do, I will be using the coco.

Thanks for the reassurance.
G.

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