Red Wiggler worms (Eisenia Fetida) are one of the most popular species of worms used for vermicomposting. This is due, in part, to a handful of select breeders flooding the internet with articles claiming the Red Wigglers to be superior. However, as an interesting side note, these same breeders will often sell a red worm “mix” but try to pass it off as pure stock with the hopes that novice worm farmers will not know the difference until it’s too late. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why Red Wigglers may not be the best composting worm for your needs.
1. Temperature Sensitivity
Red wigglers are sensitive to temperature and prefer to live in a range of 60-80°F. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to take extra precautions to keep your worm bin at the right temperature. If the bin gets too hot or cold, the worms may become stressed or die. Vermicomposters who live on the sunny coast do better with Indian Blues as they are more of a tropical species, and in the extreme cold, Canadian Nightcrawlers are an excellent option.
2. Limited Substrate Depth
Red wigglers are surface feeders and prefer to live in shallow substrates. This means they may not be suitable for larger-scale vermicomposting projects or those who want to compost deeper substrate layers. If you wish to compost deeper substrate layers, you may need to consider European Nightcrawlers because they are better suited for this purpose.
3. Slower Reproduction Rate
Red wigglers have a slower reproduction rate compared to some other species of composting worms. They may take longer to breed and produce more worms to help break down your compost. If you are looking for a faster reproduction rate, check out Indian Blue worms since they reproduce fifteen cocoons to the Red Wiggler’s one!
4. Not multi-purpose
For many people who homestead or practice sustainable organic farming, having multiple uses for each farm asset is a must. Indian Blue worms can be fed as bird, reptile, or amphibian treats, and European and Canadian Nightcrawlers can be used as bait. However, Red Wigglers have a toxic substance they secrete when agitated (similar to toads) that can make reptiles and other animals sick if ingested, which makes them more of a liability.
5. Availability
Red wigglers are one of the most popular species of composting worms, and as a result, they may be more difficult to find or more expensive than other worms. If you are having trouble finding red wigglers in your area or are too costly, you may need to consider other species of worms that are more readily available and affordable, such as these mixes we sell on our site.
In conclusion, while Red Wigglers are an excellent choice for vermicomposting in many situations, they may not always be the best composting worm for everyone. For example, suppose you live in an area with extreme temperatures, want to compost deeper substrate layers, need a faster reproduction rate, want to have multiple uses, or are having trouble finding Red Wigglers. In that case, you may need to consider other species of worms that are better suited for your needs. See which worms we offer by clicking here.