Comments on: Tiny Red ‘Bugs’ in Worm Bin

By: Christine M

Christine M — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 23:33:29 +0000

I have a plastic bin that is filling up with condensation as well.
I read your advice above to drill more holes. Should I drill holes only above the worm habitat or should I drill more holes on the bottom inches of the sides and bottom of bin as well? If its the latter, won’t I purée some of the worms?

By: Darlene

Darlene — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:33:29 +0000

R these compost mite mites harmful to plant humans or pets

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:58:54 +0000

I have a red mite problem too and found out that it’s related to PH imbalances. Fruits tend to be more acidic which is why they like them. So, I’ve been crushing up Tums/calcium tablets to bring down the ph, as well as avoiding fruits. Praying that this works!

By: Lisa B.

Lisa B. — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:15:27 +0000

We live in north Florida zone 9 and are wondering how to manage our outdoor above ground worm bins in the winter? They are along the eastside our house and under cover but it can get as cold as 19degrees here….any suggestions?

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:58:01 +0000

Hi Whitney,
I’d need to see a picture of these bugs to have any idea re: what to do about them. I don’t know of any worm bin critters that pose issues for plants other than fungus gnats (whose larvae can harm seedlings).

As long as the worms have LOTS of aeration and are never in direct sunlight I think they should be ok outside but you really do need to be careful will small plastic bin systems (with lids on that is)

By: Whitney

Whitney — Wed, 05 May 2010 04:11:47 +0000

I have had a swarm of itsy bitsy bugs also emerge in my worm bin. We have finally moved it outside because the bugs were getting onto the plant starters in the garage windows. Two questions: how can I get them off the plants, organically? And will the worms be okay outside in their plastic bin? (79-80 F days under a willow tree; 40s F at night)

Thank you!

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:55:17 +0000

Thanks for sharing that Bert! Sounds like a great idea. I’ve heard of people doing the same using melons etc and it seems to be a great strategy.

By: BertTrinder

BertTrinder — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:33:45 +0000

I hope this will help every body that has thoes MITES in their worm farms

By: BertTrinder

BertTrinder — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:28:35 +0000

i had the RED MITE in my two worm farms .And i got rid of them by placeing two very ripe avacado over night and taking the avacados out every morning and wash them under the cold water .Idid it for about a week no more RED MITE .Iwill add i placed the avacados on a lid of two liter ice cream container they seem to find they way to the avacados

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:35:24 +0000

I experienced a massive bloom of mites after adding too many banana peels to the scraps, so many mites that the top of the composter was seething with them and the worms weren’t coming up to eat. I have a plastic worm condo so it was difficult for me reach a moisture balance to get rid of them. I finally resorted to covering the top layer of compost with slivers of honeydew melon over night and the next morning taking one sliver off at a time and quickly scorching the mites with my handy little chef’s butane torch. Then I cut back on all fruits and so far so good.