Mice

by Robin
(Coeur d'Alene Idaho)

We have a worm bin at our preschool. During the winter, some mice made a home in the worm bin (little tunnels in the compost). We turned the bin and our worms seem to be really healthy; however, the mice won't leave! Any suggestions?

Answer from BigTex Worms

Removal and Protection:
You must first remove the nest. If that means dumping the entire contents of the bin and starting over, then so be it. If you do not remove the nest, then it will be near impossible to rid them.
Next you must protect the bin from a re-infestation. Worm bins should be completely protected, sounds like yours is not. A worm bin should have protection top to bottom. If you are using a compost pile, there will not be any way to protect, that is why I don't suggest piles for worms. If you have a wood bin, it must have a bottom and top, in other words, all worms must be "encapsulated" to protect from mice, moles, birds, lizards and other predators. If you don't protect them, you are likely feeding the critters your worms.
If you send me more info on your bin or a photo, I can make more recommendations on how to solve your problem.

Liz
BigTex Worms