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How to Collect Earthworms

Collecting earthworms is a suitable endeavor for those who enjoy fishing but don't wish to spend money on bait or for those who like the challenge and adventure of catching their own bait. Similarly, collecting earthworms allows you to have interesting alternative pets or provides you with subjects for the life-science enthusiast to study. Collecting earthworms is something you can do successfully on your first try.

Things You'll Need

3-foot wooden stake
Handsaw
Tin pail
Container
Dirt
Manure
Plastic spoon
Water
Kitchen scraps

Instructions

- 1
  Go out to the forest after a rainfall and look for a shady spot covered in lots of leaves. Look for mounds in the earth that somewhat resemble anthills. These are signs of the movement and congestion of earthworms.
- 2
  Drive your wooden stake into the damp ground about six to 10 inches. Take your handsaw and drag it back and forth across the very top of the stake. This will create a vibration in the earth similar to the movements of a mole, the arch enemy of the earthworm.
- 3
  Scoop up worms as they pop to the surface of the soil and drop them into the bucket.
- 4
  Use the earthworms as bait immediately after collection. For pets, make a bedding that is one to one and a half times the size of the combined surface area of the worms you've collected in a large plastic container.
- 5
  Mix one part manure with four parts dirt in the plastic container with a plastic spoon. Add water to the mixture until it is moist but not soggy. Let it cool for two weeks before you add your worms. Once they're inside, each day add some biodegradable kitchen garbage for the worms to work through.

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