little flies in worm bin

by Christine
(Langley, BC, Canada)

After I harvested the worm bin last fall, I seem to have picked up what i would call dung flies, because i equate them with little flies I remember on dung heaps in my farm childhood in England. They look like a miniature stealth bomber, little bodies, broad triangular wings. I can't find larvae in the bin, but every time I open it, I am inundated with a cloud of these critters. They also escape through the air holes in the bin. the worms are happy and healthy, just these nasty little critters.

any suggestions?

Answer from BigTex Worms
Without seeing a photo or video, I can only guess that they are fruit flies.
But no matter what they are there are some simple steps you can take to minimize them.


1. Freeze your scraps before putting them in the bin


2. Always have a good 2-3 inches of dry paper shreds atop your bedding OR bury your food scraps down into the castings
3. Place a piece of fabric over your entire bin
If you implement these steps it should minimize them greatly. BUT anytime you deal with rotting food, you will have some flies, they are just part of the deal.
Liz
Big Tex Worms