What Happens If a Worm Farm Is Too Wet?

Escaping

• Worms kept in a bin that has too much moisture will try to escape, though in a plastic bin they are not usually able to crawl up the sides. In other kinds of bins, especially wooden ones, the worms will attempt to leave and find someplace not quite so wet. If they can't get out they will collect in the drier areas of the worm farm to try to avoid being in the water. Add dry bedding or peat moss underneath the wet bedding to soak up any standing water.

Odors

• Bedding that is too wet can cause bad odors in the worm farm. The bedding gets sour and begins to stink. If an odor is present but there is no mold, stir in some dry bedding to absorb some of the excess liquid. Leave the lid off of the bin for a couple of days to help it to dry out. If the moisture and odors don't improve, or if there is a lot of mold, wash out the bin and then replace the discarded bedding with clean, damp bedding.

Death

• If there is a lot of liquid collected in the bottom of the worm farm and the worms can't get away, many of them will drown. A large number of dead worms, especially if there is standing water down in the bin, is a sure sign that the worm farm is far too wet. Pour out as much water as possible. Add dry bedding to reduce the overall level of wetness. Drill some extra drainage holes in the bottom of the container, or make sure the ones that are there aren't clogged.

Pests

• Different kinds of pests, such as fruit flies, are attracted to bins that contain excessive moisture. The first sign of many of these nuisance creatures is a room full of tiny flying or crawling pests. Once fruit flies are established, it can be very difficult to eradicate them. The best method to get rid of them is to thoroughly clean out the worm farm and put in a complete change of bedding. The old bedding should be taken far away, to keep the pests from coming back to the worm farm. Screening over air vents can help to prevent many pests, though fruit flies can usually sneak through just about any screen.