I have leeches in my worm farm. What do I do?
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On Thursday 6 May, 20 local residents enjoyed a free tour and workshop in the newly renovated EcoHouse & Garden at Kimbriki, Terrey Hills. Peter Rutherford, ecogarden expert and guest on the ABC’s Gardening Australia program, conducted a workshop on worm farming and composting, with participants also learning about their role in preserving natural ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
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Question by Tulip: I have leeches in my worm farm. What do I do?
We were given a worm farm by a friend who no longer uses it. The worm population was low but has started to increase slowly. In the bottom of the worm farm I have found a fair few leeches which I have removed but more keep appearing. I have read that leeches eat worms and was wanting to know how I can get rid of them? I suspect that they were already in the farm when we got it but can’t be sure. Also, if they are coming from our yard, how do I keep them out?
Can you help? Leave your own answer in the comments!
2 Responses to I have leeches in my worm farm. What do I do?
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A worm bin can can be cleaned out, washed out and the dirt/compost replaced. Wash off your worms and make sure they don’t have any leeches on them.
Fill with kitchen scrapes and shredded paper and add some new worms. But be careful of chemical treated papers or anything else you give them
If your worm bin has a tight lid on it the leeches will not get back in with it keep on.
The way we keep ants out of the bins is to put each leg of the bin in a can of water this keeps any ants out.
This might work well if you have leeches but I would put a bit of olive oil in the water.
My wife and I have our own bins and have a Competition to see who does best. It’s fun to see who gets the biggest worm and the most worms in a given period.
I hope all will be fine!
PeaceonEarth
December 7, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Are you sure they are leeches. You may have to set up your worm farm in a way to keep it off the ground even put it in a shed with a floor.
http://www.uaex.edu/wneal/pond_management/pages/topics/leeches.html
http://www.provensuccessful.com/worm_farming/worm_farming_predators.php
mrs granny
December 7, 2011 at 6:26 pm