[compost_tea] What is attacking my worms

From: RTS Friction - Carruthers <home_at_zim.co.zw>
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 10:41:19 +0200

Dennis

It's probably some sort of mite, while most are harmless some suck the juic=
e from the worms & cocoons.
The red mite commonly is the culprit it starts off in grayish clusters then=
 turn reddish/rusty brown about the size of a small pin head.

In the feeding area of your bin put some wetted bread &/or potato peels or =
watermelon on top of old sacking when the mites congregate on it scoop up t=
he whole lot & sink it in water to drown them. Rather bury your feed in plu=
g holes this prevents mite infestations. Slow down on your feeding.

Rgds
 Ian C


  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Dennis OHara
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 7:24 AM
  Subject: [compost_tea] What is attacking my worms


    

  Hi

  I hope that someone can help me.

  I have notice that some of my worms are being attacked by some bugs. They=
 looks like dry cream

  of wheat type of bug, but smaller. I used a 10 power magnifying glass to=
 see what they looked

  like. They are alive and moving all over a few of the worms on top of the=
 soil. You can tell where

  a worm is because it is covered with these creatures. These things seam t=
o be eating the worms.

  They either chew the worm in half or just eat parts of the worms. Either =
way the worm is findley

  covered with these bugs and they eat it. The surface of the tote is 24" x=
 18". There are about six

  worms that are covered with these bugs and are being eaten. Any ideas as =
to what they are and

  how do I get rid of them.

  Thank you

  Dennis 831-724-1020

  

Received on Thu Sep 08 2011 - 15:58:32 EDT

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