The ideal temperature range for worms is between 55 and 80 degrees F (12 – 26 C). Worms may freeze to death in cold weather, but they can pose a threat in warmer weather if left unattended. Working with nature to produce a cooler atmosphere in the worm compost bin is an exercise in the natural air conditioning while caring for worms in hot weather.
If you take the necessary precautions, you may experiment with vermicomposting even when it’s hot outdoors. High heat and worm bins often don’t mix well.
High Heat and Worm Bins
If nothing is done to help rescue it, even the harshest temperatures may wipe out an entire population of worms. Even if your worms live, a heat wave might render them unproductive for composting since they will be lethargic, unwell, and weak. Install your worm bins with an eye on keeping them as cold as possible if you live in an area that is hot for a significant part of the year, such as Florida or Texas.
The ideal placement for your worm or compost bins is the first step in keeping worms cool in the heat. Since sunshine produces heat, the north side of your home often receives the least sunlight. Place your bins where they will get the greatest shade during the warmest part of the day when installing them or if you want to grow your business.
Vermicomposting Tips for Hot Weather
Stop feeding the worms and let them depend on their innate abilities to survive till it’s chilly again. Worms tend to slow down and get lethargic when the heat is on. Extra food will only decay in the trash, perhaps attracting disease-causing germs.
Instead of the typical Red Wiggler worms, use Blue Worms or African Nightcrawlers if you reside in the warmest regions of the nation. These worms evolved in tropical environments and fared considerably better in a heat wave without becoming sick or extinct.
Water the pile every day to keep it wet. Given the climatic factors, hot temperature vermiculture relies on keeping the compost heap as cold as possible. Evaporating moisture will chill the surrounding region, making the worms more comfortable.