Air holes for Worm Bin

by Amanda
(Indiana)

Hi there! First of all I love your site! Thanks for all the info!

I'm trying to set up a worm bin! This is my second attempt! The first time the little guys were escaping!

I've read all the info on here I could find about a new set up which was great.. but am confused about the actual holes for the bin.

I have a 10 gallon rubbermaid tote with a lid and an extra lid for it to sit in like the you tube video you showed. What size drill bit should I use? Where exactly should I put the holes and how far apart?
If you could help me out with this info, I'd sure appreciate it! Thanks so much.

Amanda

Answer from BigTex Worms
Thanks for visiting my site and the praise, it has only been live for a little over 8 weeks, so it is still a baby website. But I am having lots of fun.
To answer your question:
I have discovered that the size of the holes dont matter one bit.(pun intended) You can make them tiny or large. I use a small 1/8" bit but you can really use whatever.
If the worms are trying to escape the problem is not the size of the holes, the problem is the bin. Usually the environment(temp/moisture/bin), feed or bedding is all wrong. Many times it is Overfeeding or Overwatering and they will try to leave. I highly recommend using Coconut fiber as a primary bedding source to start your new bin and follow the recommendations on my site for feeding. Small amounts and only feed when all food is gone. If you get the bedding and food right, you will likely have happy worms. Well, unless you drown them or have them in the sun or....lol.

I will be releasing an online worm class in a few days, the class is on video and will answer these questions and more. Come back in a few days and check it out. I will also be adding several videos addressing these very questions.
Consider joining my forum so you can ask questions there 24/7 and/or my newsletter for monthly worm composting tips from me.
If this does not answer your questions completely, shoot me another email.
Thanks so much,
Liz
BigTEX Worms