Vermicomposting Troubleshooting
Is it normal that at any given time your vermicomposting bin becomes decompensated and requires corrective intervention. Below is a table of possible problems, their probable causes and their solution.
| Problem | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The worms accumulate on the top of the bin; Bed too wet | Excess Water | Add more dry newspaper strips, and do not add foods with to much water, like watermelon |
| The worms accumulate in the bottom of the bin; Bed too dry (if you squeeze a handful of organic matter and no water droplets come out) | Lack of water | Spray all the bed with water |
| Worms begin eating excrement (it is toxic for them),Few food; Bed needs to be changed" | Make food; change bed | |
| Excess waste on site or presence of flies | Addition of excess food | Stop adding food and revolve the material |
| Musty Smell | Food difficult to compost, as meat, fish, dairy products and fats | Do not put these foods in bed |
| Emergence of flies | Slow decomposition or acidic environment (excess citrus) | Do not use rotten food or citrus. Put enough food, varied and chop it; Burry the food on the bed, remove the decomposing food; Place a bowl of vinegar and a drop of dishwasher detergent near the composter; Expose the bed to air without direct sunlight for a few hours, take out the earthworms and make new bed. |
Review our Introduction to Vermicomposting section, Q & A Section or check out out the construction of our vermicomposting bin.
