BTW, the bin is a 14 L rubbermaid tote ala Oscr Jr.

Worms are sensitive critters who engage in some strange behaviors for which science has no explanation. One such behavior is to climb up (and thus, often out of the bin) when there is a sudden rapid change in barometric pressure. No one knows why, but this behavior is well documented. With the approach of hurrican Andrew several years ago the side of one building was covered in earthworms, and worms were seen massing a few feet up the trunks of trees. It is quite likely that the behavior you're seeing is linked to the rainy period you've been experiencing.

It is highly unlikely that the loss of worms you've so far experienced will have any measurable impact on your system. Very healthy, productive bins typically loose a handful of worms per week to wander lust. Further, worms adapt to barometric pressure changes if they form a fairly regular pattern. For instance, in central TN and many areas of the deep south sudden brief thunderstorms are nearly daily occurances during the summer. The first few days after this weather pattern begins worms will crawl from healthy bins by the handful, but after a few days they adjust to the weather pattern and stay put, no longer troubled by the sudden low pressure of these "hit and run" thunderstorms.

It sounds as though your bin is behaving as do most normal, healthy worm bins, DesertHills. All is well!

Kelly S

Thanks Kelly! It's a relief to learn they can get adjusted to the monsoon season. =)
DH has suggested to move the bin nearer to the soil are so the escapees have a chance to survive, maybe I'll do that. My heart goes out to those who have died trying, and I hate cleaning the mess afterwards. ;)

Well, Kelly, I'm really worried now!

*Very healthy, productive bins typically lose a handful of worms per week*

What am I doing wrong? I ain't losing ANY worms to wanderlust. Just when I start to get comfortable with the way I'm doing this, along comes another doubt.....does this mean my bins aren't healthy...or productive? Am I somehow on the way to worm infamy? Can I persuade a handful to lustfully wander each week? Am I being too sensitive to imaginary, or real, potentially insignificant datum that I should just take with a grain of salt? ARRGGHH!!!!

Just joking, DesertHills, sometimes this worm thing begins to become way more complicated than the vermi intend it to be.

As always, Kelly, to paraphrase that great old Fleetwood Mac song, "You make worming fun".

Chuckiebtoo

::grinning:: Chuckie dear, I suspect your worms stay put for fear that you may have planted a mine field around the bin...

Kelly S ::who is NEVER going to forget Chuckie's flirtation with bin detonation::

Is it raining into your bin? Or is the bin sheltered?

harhar Chuckiebtoo!!! Your worms must know you well enough, as the giant crazy vermicomposter, not to crawl off. ;P

socks12345, the bin is sheltered in the patio.