Care and Maintenance
Redworms prefer an environment that is dark, moist and moderate in temperature.
Light. Redworms have an aversion to light. That is one reason why worm bins should be covered and why worms are seldom found, unless intentionally or accidentally dug up, on the surface of the begging material. It is also why worms will never escape from the cozy confines of a worm bin.
Moisture. Worms are aerobic creatures that prefer a moist environment for burrowing. Underground, voids that are not filled with air, are filled with water. This is one reason earthworms come to the surface during rainstorms. Like compost then, bedding material should be as moist as a wring out sponge yet without and free water present. Drain holes in the bin will help to prevent the bedding from becoming wet enough to drown the worms. If required, water can be added to the bedding periodically to keep it moist.
Temperature. The temperature range tolerated by redworms has been quoted as being 5 to 27 degrees Celsius (40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). They are most active between 13 and 25 degrees Celsius (55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) however. Worms will not survive freezing nor will they tolerate high ambient temperatures.
Required tools for working with bedding material and vermicompost are hand gardening spades and forks. The latter are useful in gently separating the worms from the vermicompost.