Surprise in my worm bin!

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I have three worm bins I started last year. I regularly turn the bedding to aerate it and to make sure the layer on the bottom is not too wet. I keep the bins in a screened in porch, so I don't put lids on the bins and for the most part have not had a problem with other critters taking up residence.

Last year while I was turning the bedding a couple little frogs jumped out, no big deal. Last week, as I was turning the bedding, I caught a little glimpse of bright blue. I thought to myself, "Hmm, I did not put any blue plastic in the bin, I wonder where that came from." I reached in to dig it out and all of a sudden something jumped up and I screamed!

Guess who is living in my worm bin......

.... a blue-tailed skink!

As beautiful as she/he is, I would like to get rid of it. Any suggestions?

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Comments (5)

sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
7 years ago
Its beautiful. Im sure it will leave when its ready or just open up the bin and chase it out. I have vermicompost/worm bins under our rabbit hutch and I have seen skinks in them as well as other stuff like our naughty hens. Worms bins = chicken crack heaven lol. There always seems to be enough worms though.
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
7 years ago
My mother had a beautiful skink that lived on the far side of the inside of her garage underneath some shelving and stuff. We'd see him pretty often. She couldn't stand him - was afraid of him - but he lived there for years and years and years. I kept telling her that he ate roaches and palmetto bugs and was a good thing to have around but I don't think I convinced her, LOL. When she finally moved out and I sold the house, I thought I would see him again as I cleaned the garage... but I didn't. He must have slipped out at some point during all of the packing and loading. He was fatter and shorter than the blue one in your photo. Oh, and the skink never hurt her or anyone else. Just ran and hid any time anyone got close.
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Pea
7 years ago
The only issue i have with skinks is the threat they pose to my cats as a skink can make a cat sick. If they are in the great outdoors i leave them be. My yard is a haven for all kinds of beasties. As for getting him to move out of your bin...have no idea.
11otis
7 years ago
Wouldn't he/she be feasting on your worms? I guess just grab its tail next time you see it.
vml68
Original Author
7 years ago
11otis - I was worried about the worms too and searched online. I read that they eat insects not worms. I hope that is accurate because he/she is still hanging out in my worm bin and I have not checked on the worms since I found it in there.

I will definitely not be grabbing it by the tail! Apart from the fact, the tail will break off, I am not a fan of any lizardy creatures. I can appreciate the beautiful coloring but I am not going to willingly touch one under any circumstance. I've been in FL for 4 years now and I still have to stifle a scream when the geckos dart in front of me when I am walking down a path.