vermicomposting- white bugs

[canadiangirl]

I have a small bucket with red wiggler compost worms I got from my Dad who has kept worms for years. He set up the bedding and added the worms for me about 2 months ago. There are tiny white bugs on the surface of the soil and have been there almost from the start. Dad said he thought they might be fruit flies (hasn't seen them too far away) but I don't think this is what they are. The worms seem to be doing OK. But EWW! What are these little critters?

[morrowsmowers]

I had just been reading on vermiculture earlier this evening and remembered seeing this about white worms like you are seeing:

Other critters: Do not be surprised to see other creatures in your worm bin, as they help break down the organic material. Most of the organisms will be too small to see, but you may spot white worms, springtails, pill bugs, molds, and mites.

They seem to say they are alright to be left in the bin with your worms.

Ken in Glassboro, NJ

[moonwolf]

Originally Posted by canadiangirl

I have a small bucket with red wiggler compost worms I got from my Dad who has kept worms for years. He set up the bedding and added the worms for me about 2 months ago. There are tiny white bugs on the surface of the soil and have been there almost from the start. Dad said he thought they might be fruit flies (hasn't seen them too far away) but I don't think this is what they are. The worms seem to be doing OK. But EWW! What are these little critters?

sounds like it might be springtails. They are common in composting or worm bedding material.

Do they look something like this?:



http://www.happydranch.com/invertebr...pringtail.html

[canadiangirl]

Although they are very small that does look like them, thanks for the pic. Dad wasn't too concerned on the phone but I really didn't want my new colony to die on me from some sort of parasite. The worms do look fine and looks like they have help now. Thanks

[dragonfly1113]

I just started my worm bin last week. I am so nervous that I am going to do something wrong. So far I only see my worms. What kind of bin are you using? Is it one that is homemade or did you buy a bin? I bought a ... the worm factory bin. I keep having to wet my top layer of newspaper (about every two days) I am scared that my bin is too dry but the worms seem to be doing very well.