Liquefied Worm Bin

by Robin
(San Jose, CA)

I have a problem. This is the third time I have killed my worms. Each time they have turned into a hideous liquid mess. This time, my composter was up to two levels and we were excited that all was finally going well. Then last week - OMG the smell was awful. We opened the bin today and it is filled to the top with what looks like liquefied worms. HELP! First off, can I dilute and use this mess in my yard? Second, if I clear out the whole bin do I need to bleach it or put hydrogen peroxide in it to kill whatever happened in there? I am at a loss. All was going so well and we never expected this. Sad.

Any advice you can give is appreciated.

Robin

Answer from Big Tex Worms

So, the entire bin was liquid? Or was it a thick fudgy slop? I am confused.
If it stunk really bad, then it is anerobic and will contain nasty bacteria so I would not use it anywhere there are going to be edible plants or animals that could get to it.

Sounds to me like the bin got way too hot, which is most likely due to over feeding the bin. If you have a multi layered composter, then you should have been feeding about 1 cup of scraps at a time. Where you feeding more than that? And were you feeding in a corner? Or were you spreading the feed out?
The only other times I have heard of this happening were with using too many cardboard shreds too 'cause they can heat OR with feeding dog/poultry feed. In other words, I am fairly confident the bin just got to hot, the worms died then all the rotting food simply rotted. And dead worms smell god awful.
If there is any castings in the bin, look them over for worm eggs. If there are some in there, then let the bin dry out a bit and then just put the castings back in and just leave them for a few weeks then start feeding and adding bedding again.
Did you buy worms from me? If so, I would suggest you watch the class again. IF NOT, I would suggest you purchase the online class to brush up on all the basics to make sure there is not a step you are missing.
Liz
BigTex Worms