Why Are Earthworms Attracted to Water?

Life Cycle

• Water is a vital part of an earthworm's life cycle. If it does not remain moist it will roll up in a tight ball when it becomes dehydrated. This is to prevent further water evaporating from its skin, or when conditions have become too dry. An earthworm's life cycle involves eating through organic material to obtain water and other nutrients. It breathes through its skin, known as the cuticle, which needs to be kept moist for absorbing oxygen and excreting carbon dioxide.

Storms and Heavy Rain

• A storm and heavy rain can quickly saturate soil, causing it to become abnormally moist and sodden with water. This causes the earthworm to be starved of oxygen and it moves to the top of the soil to seek refuge. In this instance, you might see a lot of earthworm on your lawn. They are not attracted to the water; they are trying to prevent drowning and to obtain more oxygen, which is driven out by the water in the soil. In some cases, earthworms have been seen in the bottom of swimming pools because they have accidentally fallen in.

Earthworm Survival

• Worms can only survive in an area with at least a 40 percent moisture content, according to research carried out by Colorado State University Extension paper. Therefore, it is attracted to damp conditions so that it can breathe properly. Without this moisture, earthworms cannot mate. Above ground, mating can last up to three hours, but the area has to be wet so the worms do not dry out.

Benefits of Worms

• It is important to maintain the moisture and temperature condition for Earthworms so they are attracted to a specific area. An earthworm is a natural fertilizer for soil. As the worm churns through organic waste, it composts it so that it turns into fertilized soil. In other words, earthworms are one of nature's natural recyclers. This function plays an important role in keeping plants healthy.