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The Best Way to Raise Night Crawlers

Night crawlers are large worms that have a dark colored head and a flat, pale end. The name comes from the fact that they're commonly found in the ground at night. They were not native to North America, but were introduced by European settlers. Earthworms are commonly used as bait for fishing, food for amphibians or for composting. They're sold in retail stores, bait shops and by private parties. They can be raised for your own personal use or for profit.

Things You'll Need

Breeder night crawlers
Worm bin
Bedding
Food

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a worm bin. This can be made of a plastic, wood or metal box. The container should be between 8 and 12 inches deep. A plastic tub works wells.
- 2
  Select a type of bedding. It needs to retain moisture but stay loose, and allow for air and water to travel between the pieces. It should not be course, since night crawlers are delicate. Peat moss is one of the most commonly used materials. Compost materials, bog soil, newspaper and manure are good options too.
- 3
  Purchase breeding night crawlers. The amount you'll want to start with will depend on the amount of space you have. A plastic Rubbermaid container can accommodate about 500 breeders.
- 4
  Put the night crawlers in the bin. Make sure that you are able to shield them from light and keep the bedding moist, but not wet. Keep them in a cool place, such as a basement or garage. Feed them scraps you'd put in a compost bun, such as grass clippings, leaves, vegetables, fruits and egg shells. You can also purchase commercial food.
- 5
  Transfer night crawlers to other bins as they begin to reproduce, which will happen quickly. Within a few months, they will have multiplied by the thousands. You will have to harvest them by hand. If you run out of capacity to keep all of the night crawlers, you can sell them, give them away or put them in your yard.

Insects & Science