Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Grow Night Crawlers

Many people find night crawlers creepy and disgusting. Despite the gross factor, they have many uses, from feeding pets to baiting the avid fisherman's hook. However, the cost of these slippery insects can range from $3 to $5 per dozen, depending on the location and the season. With a handful of supplies, you can make your own crawler farm, save a lot of money, and even make a profit by selling what you don't use.

Things You'll Need

Large plastic foam container (shallow enough to fit on a refrigerator shelf)
Gallon jug
Buss Bedding (worm bedding made of finely ground newspaper)
Bottled water
Coffee
100 worms
Magic Worm Food
Newspaper
Large book

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the container with Buss Bedding. Leave an inch or so between the bedding and the top of the container.
- 2
  Brew a pot of coffee using bottled water. Pour coffee into a gallon jug and add more bottled water until jug is full.
- 3
  Add enough of the coffee/water mixture to bedding until it's moist, not saturated.
- 4
  Add worms and mix them in the bedding.
- 5
  On top of the bedding, sprinkle four or five lines of Magic Worm Food. Let the food sit on top; don't mix.
- 6
  Fold the newspaper so it fits on top of the bedding in your container. Moisten with more of the coffee/water mixture.
- 7
  Place a large book on top of the newspaper, and put the whole container on a shelf in the refrigerator. Check after one week, and you will have dozens of large, lively night crawlers.

Insects & Science