Bugs in the earthworm box

[snickersnake]

I thought I already asked this but I can't find my post.

I have kept garden worms for three years. I use the Magic Worm Ranch. I wrote to the Magic worm kit people and they gave me some advice, but they don't know what these bugs are.

First, this is probably my fault. I've been sick a lot this year and I haven't cared for the worms as well as I should have. I feed them regularly but haven't made new bedding for them in awhile. Also, I had to order worm bedding from the Internet a couple of years ago when I ran out, and although it said it was Magic worm bedding, I received 30 lbs of something that didn't quite resemble it, wrapped in a large plain plastic garbage bag inside of a shipping box. Everything has been okay with it though, until my recent problem but again, I think it may be because I haven't changed the dirt in awhile.

I always make sure the bedding is moist enough without being too moist, and I replace newspaper and spray water on the top sometimes. I always feed a little bit a couple of times a week. The other two boxes are fine but the oldest box has these bugs.

They appeared out of the blue. They are very tiny and appear to be white. When I open the box, they jump, then burrow in to get out of the light. When I push the dirt aside with a spoon, they jump then burrow some more. There are thousands, maybe millions. The box is full of them.

I am trying to figure out how to get the worms out. It is January in Michigan and we have been buried in snow and low temps for the past few months so I can't just dump them in a hole in the field and throw the box away. Plus, there are some good worms in there - all my new babies are in there, too. I can't work with them in the garage either, since I have Raynaud's and neuropathy and can't handle cold. The basement is really even too cold for me (that's where the worms live).

I figure I can open the box quickly, put a few worms at a time in a large, deep container, get the dirt and bugs off, rinse the worms in another container that has water, then put them in a clean, new box. This will take forever but I don't know another way.

What I would like to know is if anyone knows what these things are. They are not the tiny white worms that show up to eat the food if there's extra, or if the ph of the box is off.

I will try to get a better look but that will require a microscope and I have been afraid to leave the top off the box long enough to get a good look. I don't want them infesting the basement if that's what they might do. I know I am paranoid but - YUCK. I can handle snakes and lizards (I also have a gecko), but I hate bugs. I can barely handle the crickets for the gecko.

Please, if anyone has an idea, let me know. I've already searched and searched and just can't find anything. Thanks.

Lori

[guidofatherof5]

Check out the 6th post on this link. Hope it helps.
Waikiki Worm Co.: Can-O-Worms
I'll see if I can find anything else.

[guidofatherof5]

How are the worms doing in this box? Other then the bugs are the healthy?

Check this out also.
Tiny white bugs in my bin - Vermicomposting Forum - GardenWeb

[ssssnakeluvr]

could be springtails, tiny harmless bugs.

[guidofatherof5]

could be springtails, tiny harmless bugs.

Here's a link to some photos. Springtails, mites, etc.
WormMainea: What’s in Your Worm Bin?!

[ConcinnusMan]

Yeah, it does sound like springtails. You may not like seeing them, but they are good thing. Part of a healthy compost community. I have also seen them in potted plants. I even had them migrate from a potted plant into the substrate in one of my snake tanks. I noticed they congregate on the snake feces. The feed on that stuff and help to break it down. They did eventually all disappear and really didn't become a problem. Even a heavy infestation of them is harmless although it looks terrible.

They're good to have in your worm box.

[Selkielass]

Sounds like springtails- gross but harmless.
Some worm-bin sites recommend using FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous earth to control the tiny flies that sometimes plague worm boxes- it might work for springtails too.
This is the type of stuff they recommend; Amazon.com: Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 10 Lb: Kitchen & Dining

And only a very small sprinkling is used on the surface of the box.

[ConcinnusMan]

That's what I use to clarify my home made pear/honey wine. It's just electrically charged clay. I don't see how that could control flies.