red wiggler worm removal - Ask Extension
HI, I have a leaf compost pile that has been breached by red wiggler compost worms (traveled in with native plants I purchased). I have two huge gian...
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red wiggler worm removal #855185
Asked November 13, 2023, 11:17 AM EST
HI, I have a leaf compost pile that has been breached by red wiggler compost worms (traveled in with native plants I purchased). I have two huge giant sequoias and am across from a river, where I'm trying to restore the bank from ivy and erosion. The worms threaten a decade of understory leaf debris under the trees and along the riverbank. How do I kill off, contain or dispose of the worms to keep them from spreading? The bin is made of scrap wood and is thus somewhat porous. So far I have tried to create a barrier around the bin and about an inch into the soil. Thank you.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi, Suzanne:
Ordinarily, I'm a big fan of red wigglers, but I understand and respect your situation.
If it were possible to heat the compost to above about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, that would be effective, but might require a lot of work. Take it from me - you don't want to do this in an in-home oven or microwave, as the odor is incomparable (I've made that experiment ... once ...). That old barbeque you've not yet gotten rid of?
Vermifuges would be available from a farm and ranch supply. I'm not particularly recommending it, but ivermectin is one widely available. Be sure to read and follow all label cautions and instructions, as it is a violation of federal law to use labeled pesticides in any manner other than indicated on the label.
Ordinarily, I'm a big fan of red wigglers, but I understand and respect your situation.
If it were possible to heat the compost to above about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, that would be effective, but might require a lot of work. Take it from me - you don't want to do this in an in-home oven or microwave, as the odor is incomparable (I've made that experiment ... once ...). That old barbeque you've not yet gotten rid of?
Vermifuges would be available from a farm and ranch supply. I'm not particularly recommending it, but ivermectin is one widely available. Be sure to read and follow all label cautions and instructions, as it is a violation of federal law to use labeled pesticides in any manner other than indicated on the label.
Linda,
Thank you. I am a big composting fan and do everything organic, normally, so thanks for providing suggestions for this unusual situation. I went to the feed store and got SafeGuard, but they also recommended Sevin insect killer lawn granules, which would be safer and more long lasting around my compost bin. Which would be more/most effective? Thank you. Suzanne
Suzanne,
I would tend to go with the Sevin.
In this case, using the stronger chemical will ensure greater wiggler population reduction.
As soon as you start applying any pesticide, you start selecting for resistance. The genetic variability of insects, bacteria, fungi and weeds means that perhaps some individuals already possess a gene that would allow them to survive the potentially weaker chemical. Their progeny would be able to reproduce and give rise to a population with resistance to one or multiple chemicals. It sounds crude, but going in first with the big guns often reduces the total amount of chemical applied to the environment.
It must be a great frustration to you to resort to these tactics, but given your overall goal, Sevin might lead you to success with less environmental impact.
I would tend to go with the Sevin.
In this case, using the stronger chemical will ensure greater wiggler population reduction.
As soon as you start applying any pesticide, you start selecting for resistance. The genetic variability of insects, bacteria, fungi and weeds means that perhaps some individuals already possess a gene that would allow them to survive the potentially weaker chemical. Their progeny would be able to reproduce and give rise to a population with resistance to one or multiple chemicals. It sounds crude, but going in first with the big guns often reduces the total amount of chemical applied to the environment.
It must be a great frustration to you to resort to these tactics, but given your overall goal, Sevin might lead you to success with less environmental impact.
