Mites!

by Daisy
(Upstate New York)

Ok, I realize that worm bins get bugs. And I'm ok with that. But my worm bin is TEAMING with what I think are mites. There are so many that I put the bin outside. (It had been in our 3-season room. We've all been getting the itchies, and my daughter has been getting hives. It may be the cats....but *could* it be the incredible mite population I have grown?? IK. Is there something I should do about this? Otherwise all is well with the bin.

Answer from BigTex Worms
You are making me itch! Mites are not harmful to a bin but they are disgusting. Here is my video on mites so you can compare to see it that is indeed the problem: composting mites.
if so, just leave the lid off a few days and let it dry out and they will leave or you can trap them with a piece of melon or white bread.

The hives could be from the overwet bin, I would guess maybe some mold spores from it being wet if you have mites, you likely have some mold too. Again, same remedy, leave the lid off. Make sure you all wear gloves when in the bin and wash all the way up to elbows after digging around in it.
Could it be something else? I hate to blame the poor worms? LOL.