Worms are slimy, tubular, and squishy creatures that most of us would not choose as pets. However, its environmental benefits have enticed you to learn how to find worms in your backyard.
These gentle creatures play an important role in aerating the soil in your garden, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to break down organic materials. Worms can also be used as fisherman bait and as a source of food for poultry.
If you dig up the topsoil in your backyard, you’ll discover a whole new world beneath the surface. There are many different types of worms, and with this guide, finding these nocturnal critters in your backyard will be simple.
Contents
- How to Find Worms in your Backyard
- 1. Assemble the proper tool
- 2. Attract them with wet cardboard
- 3. Use vibration to lure them out.
- 4. Wait for the rain
- 5. Irritate them with mustard powder
- 6. Composting
- FAQs About Worms in yards
- Why are there no worms in my garden?
- How do I introduce worms to my lawn?
- Do worms live in water?
- Is it safe to eat live worms?
- Author
How to Find Worms in your Backyard
1. Assemble the proper tool
Finding these worms will be a piece of cake if you have the right tool. Catching a worm is simple, but knowing which equipment to use is essential. For a successful hunt, you will need the following items.
A container– is ideal for storing the worms you’ve collected. To produce a suitable environment for the worms, fill the container three-quarters full with soil. Cover the container with damp leaves, and make sure to poke holes in it to allow optimum air circulation because you don’t want any dead worms.
A shovel– These creatures do not lie on the ground. As a result, a rounded shovel will be required to precisely break the topsoil and bring the worms to the surface.
Red flashlight– Considering worms are more active at night, a source of light is an essential item on our list.
A red light will be the ideal option because you don’t want to frighten them with a bright light. Worms are blind, but they are highly sensitive to intense light. If you utilize a bright source, they will flee.
Latex gloves-The gloves will not only protect your hands from dirt but will also provide you with a good grip on the slippery worms.
2. Attract them with wet cardboard
Worms fear drying out, and any wet ground will be a heaven for them. Therefore, using wet cardboard is the easiest way to find worms.
For this method, you don’t have to dig for the worms. I once left a wet cardboard box outside in my backyard for a week, and I was surprised by all kinds of creatures I found when I went to check it.
All you have to do is leave the wet cardboard in your backyard during the night and lift the cardboard in the morning. This method may require a little digging or no digging since you will easily find them on the surface.
If any digging is required, dig gently around resisting worms.
3. Use vibration to lure them out.
The vibration is a fantastic, uncomplicated approach to bringing the worms to the surface, and all you have to do is wait for them to surface. When done correctly, this ancient method of worm finding can be quite effective.
To attract worms, drive a wooden stake into soil that appears to be worm-friendly, then run a saw over the top of the post at a reasonable pace to create effective waves of vibrations. The vibrations fool the worm into thinking it is being pursued by a burrowing mole.
As they struggle to avoid being devoured, the worms will be forced to find their way to the surface.
Also read: Wolf sculptures for garden decor
4. Wait for the rain
To enhance your chances of a successful hunt, go after the worms right after it rains. On a rainy day, the worms crawl closer to the surface because the soil becomes moist and has difficulty breathing. They also enjoy coming out after rain because they will not dry out.
Rainy days are ideal for finding worms, but you can water your backyard until it is completely drenched if there is no rain. Then, after a few minutes, collect the worms in your container.
Also read: Growing backyard grapes
5. Irritate them with mustard powder
Worms despise mustard and will come to the surface if you use it. I’ve tried this procedure multiple times, and I’ve discovered that it requires a spot where you’re certain you won’t miss the worms.
In a watering can, combine the mustard powder and water, then sprinkle the mixture on the area where you suspect worms are present, particularly places with decomposing materials. When you see the worms pop out, catch them and rinse them.
Also read: How do you get rid of dandelions but not grass?
6. Composting
Worms enjoy decomposing materials in addition to rain. As a result, making compost in your backyard is a great way to attract a lot of worms.
After you’ve established your compost, make sure to water it regularly to provide a suitable environment for the worms. Once the compost decomposes, you can scatter it and gather your worms.
FAQs About Worms in yards
Why are there no worms in my garden?
Aside from any prior insecticides or other dangerous substances, your garden soil could be the explanation for the lack of worms in your garden. Worms will be discouraged by compacted soil or poor soil conditions.
Also read: What kind of rake removes dead grass?
How do I introduce worms to my lawn?
Worms will be drawn to your lawn simply by establishing a compost pile. The tasty meal will draw the worms, making them easier to find. To achieve the best results, make sure the compost is carefully managed.
Do worms live in water?
Worms won’t last long in the water. Although their skin has been designed to absorb oxygen in water, allowing them to stay in the water for several weeks before drowning.
Is it safe to eat live worms?
Yes, if the worm is farm-raised, you can consume it alive. However, I would not recommend eating any worms from your lawn because they contain parasites.
Whether you want worms to be used as bait, feed your chickens, or keep as pets in a worm farm, then, as long as there are no traces of toxic chemicals in your garden, the methods outlined will provide you with the finest fast results during your hunt.
Now that you know how to find worms in your backyard using these simple tactics, gathering them should be a breeze.
