Comments on: Worm Inn Journal – 03-21-13

By: Deoxy

Deoxy — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:38:35 +0000

Looks like Bt/H14 is the same as Bt/i http://wiki.bugwood.org/Bacillus_thuringiensis

I like the formulation of the Knock-Out gnats granules because it’s pre-mixed with (I think) horticultural grade molasses and it’s easy to add just a tiny bit. I don’t dissolve it in water (plenty of that in a worm bin), simply sprinkle a pinch over the top every month or so. My bin is usually underfed, which may count for something, but I don’t have fungus gnats–period. I do have mites and roly-polys and the occasional millipede–plus plenty of worms, so I haven’t found it to be toxic to the rest of the ecosystem. It would be interesting to see the effect in a well-fed system.

By: Bentley

Bentley — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:14:16 +0000

Hi Deoxy – interesting idea, especially now with my drain fly invasion (they are a type of gnat so the nematodes should definitely be pretty effective against them) – and the fact that I have a big order of the nematodes on the way. I still have mosquito dunks as well.
What is “BtH”? A different strain? Pretty sure the dunks have Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelis, or something like that! lol)

By: Deoxy

Deoxy — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:22:19 +0000

Oops, make that BtH, not I…

By: Deoxy

Deoxy — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:19:26 +0000

Well, since you haven’t picked yet, here’s my second idea. Worms Inns are one of your few bins that are relatively closed off from flying critters, so gnats are less likely to cross contaminate 2 Worm Inns. You’ve tested nematodes to good effect against fungus gnats–how about do one Worm Inn with nematodes and one Worm Inn with Bti and see which Inn stays gnat-free(er), or fights off a gnat invasion you (helpfully) cause?
I myself simply sprinkle a pinch of this Bti product in my Guansanito bin (similar to the Worm Factory)
http://www.gardensalive.com/knock-out-gnats-granules/p/3440/
but you could use whatever Bti fungus gnat product source you have in Canada.

The granules are expensive, but that company is always offering coupons & discounts online. It works great in my bin, but I’d like to see a comparison with nematodes. May the best Inn win!

By: Bentley

Bentley — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:43:46 +0000

LoL – nobody won yet! Still haven’t really reviewed the entries properly. Just wanted to see how things played out on this other front first.

By: John W.

John W. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:21:50 +0000

bummer…sounds like I did not win after all.
Oh well I can wait now patiently

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:06:35 +0000

Patience, young Grasshopper! lol
There has been an interesting new development on the Worm Inn front so I’m probably going to wait until next week to get things rolling.
Can’t say more than that for now!
8)

By: John w

John w — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:46:44 +0000

I think it feels like a good day to pick a winner and get this show on the road! Truth be told…worm inn post are the best post!

By: kiera

kiera — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:43:00 +0000

Can’t wait! While I have no creative project ideas, I own a Worm Inn and am always interested (okay maaaybeee addicted) to see what they are capable of!