I’m going to start off by saying this does not include introducing worms to your compost tumbler and or static compost piles. You will only contribute to the nitrogen in the compost by introducing worms in those systems because you will be sending your worms to their doom. So if you're thinking about starting a worm bin or already have in Texas, I would take into account these simple factors to ensure the health and stability of your system.
Bin Area- There’s the summer sun and there’s the Texas summer sun. Texas can reach into the triple digits consecutively, sometimes even for weeks throughout the long summer.
So avoiding direct sunlight and choosing an area with mostly shade is highly recommended to keep bedding temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit which are the target temperature range for maximum productivity from your worm bin. If the bedding temperature ever gets to around 95 Degrees F your worms are pretty much gone.
Amount to feed- When the bedding temperatures reach above 85 degrees F they will stop processing as much food. So feed less food scraps in the summertime. If overfed in the summer a lot of the uneaten food waste will decay creating more heat inside your worm system.
Moisture- Keeping your worm bin adequately moist is crucial, especially during the hot Texas summer. Aim for a moisture level that feels like a damp sponge—not too wet and not too dry. If your bedding becomes too dry, worms can become stressed, leading to a decline in their population. Conversely, excess moisture can create a soggy environment that may result in odors and attract unwanted pests. Regularly check the moisture level and add water or dry materials as needed to maintain balance.
Insulation- Insulating your worm bin helps protect it from extreme temperatures. Consider using materials like straw bales, leaves, or even blankets around or on your bin. This extra layer can help buffer against the heat. A good trick on some of the triple-digit days is to wet a towel or blanket thoroughly and drape it over the system, keeping your worms cooler during the hottest days.
Ventilation- Proper ventilation and good airflow wherever you place your system can’t be overlooked. I’v learned it’s a good idea to keep a box fan around and use it during those hot hot days. It helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing anaerobic conditions that can harm the worms. If you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be a sign of poor ventilation, or so adjust as needed. You can also consider placing your bin in an area with natural airflow. Be aware of garages, if the garage is an are you decide to place them keep in mind garges are all poorly ventilated and this can pose over heating problems without a fan or some kind of air flow to cool the system down.
Conclusion- The Texas heat is not ideal for your compost worms and it’s obvious to point out that keeping them indoors in the air conditioning when the temps are at their peak is definitely recommended. Why not just keep them inside all of the time? Well fruit flies will infiltrate your home, they will leave eventually as the seasons change but they will show up if your worm system stays inside long enough. Another reason that’s off-putting to most when keeping them indoors is depending on the feed material you give them can be very pungent when decomposing, such as Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. Most of the time youll just have a more earthy aroma. Composting worms can wither Texas's extreme summers, just monitor them more frequently than the times of the year when it’s ideal, and make the adjustments accordingly. Burying ice or ice packs in your system is an honorable mention when the heat is intense. This works great but the ice will need to be replaced regularly.
Be aware of garages, if the garage is an are you decide to place them keep in mind garages are all poorly ventilated and this can pose over heating problems without a fan or some kind of air flow to cool the system down.