Some people go for pets that are cute and cuddly, others for ones that are cunning and intelligent. Not me, I like worms. These guys are great…I don’t have to buy them food, take them to the vet or on walks which consist of getting dragged from telephone pole to tree with bags of poop in my hand. Sure, worms don’t have much in the emotion department, but unlike the shovelfuls of excrement from other pets, worm poop is one of nature’s best fertilizers…take that cute and cuddly.
Having pet worms is also called vermicomposting, which probably sounds better so I’ll use that from now on. Once established, these voracious little guys can turn all the leftover fruits, vegetables and bread from one household into brown gold. I have had my own pet worms…ahem…sorry…I have been vermicomposting for about 5 years and would like to share some of what these invertebrates have taught me. This post will address a few of the basics to get you on your way to having your very own tub of worms, Yippee!
The first step is convincing your significant other, roommate, and any other skeptic that having pet worms is ok and not at all pathetic or a cry for help. Second, you need to convince them that it isn’t gross and that visitors will not call CPS after leaving because of the ungodly smell and unsanitary conditions. Notice, I did not include kids in this list because generally their response to the idea of having pet worms is, “Cool”. My wife was a skeptic at first, so let me dispel with a couple of myths that may help you in this regard.
- My basement will smell like that month old broccoli I just found in the bottom of the vegetable drawer. When done correctly, vermicomposting does not smell at all. When the bins themselves are opened they do have an earthy aroma, but do not smell offensive. One no-no is to avoid putting meat in your worm farm or smell could be an issue. The other key is to always have bedding (generally moist newspaper) on top food waste you are putting in.
- I am going to have delinquent packs of worms roaming my basement looking for trouble. What do worms like? Dark, moist environments with lots of food to eat. Does the concrete floor of your basement or garage provide any of these? No. So as long as you keep your worms relatively happy, they will stay put. I have had a few rogue worms try to escape when I have neglected them, but they don’t make it far.
- That tub of rotting food is a varmint buffet and pretty soon all the neighborhood mice will be crashing at my house. First, the smell is what attracts these critters, this we addressed in the first myth. Second, the containers themselves have lids and only small holes so mice couldn’t get in if they tried. I have had mice in my house, and they tend to like the kitchen which means I am dirtier than a tub full of worms…great.
If you decide to ignore what your family and friends are telling you and get pet worms….dang it….vermicompost, there are numerous websites where you can purchase or learn how to build a home for them. The type of worm is also important, the earthworms here in Omaha are not good candidates for a worm farm. They have been over pampered by their parents and do not have a good work ethic; they also generally have a surly demeanor…kids today, huh? Red wrigglers are the best type and they can be purchased online or found locally from other vermicomposters. Hopefully this post will get you on your way to having some of the most loyal pets around (even if they don’t have tails to wag or that cute head tilt). If you have any questions or comments, please message us on Facebook.
Tim Fries
