Are African Nightcrawlers good for composting?

Asked by: Eric Colton

African nightcrawlers, also known as Eudrilus Eugeniae, is a very common commercial worm. It can be used as bait for fish, and also for composting. These African worms can be found in composting bins and worm farms; and can also produce its own batch of rich worm castings, just like Red Wiggler worms.

What type of worms are best for composting?

The type of worm most commonly used for vermicomposting is the red wiggler. That’s why this method of vermicomposting is also called red worm composting. The red wiggler species (Eisenia fetida) loves living in rotting organic material and manure and is extremely efficient at breaking it down.

Are nightcrawlers good for garden?

Nightcrawlers are beneficial earthworms that provide natural aeration of soil. They allow water and oxygen to penetrate more easily into the ground. Their feeding and excrement helps recycle nutrients and fertilize the soil.

How fast do African nightcrawlers reproduce?

approximately 2-3 cocoons per week

Very Fast Reproduction Rate



African Nightcrawlers produce approximately 2-3 cocoons per week with 2-3 babies per cocoon averaging out to about 6-7 worms per week.

What are the benefits of African Night Crawler?

African nightcrawlers are also really good at making soil because they leave behind worm castings which contain bacteria and other things needed for healthy soil, which will help plants grow better. The only real downside to using African nightcrawlers is that they can be pretty big, and you need to keep them moist.

Can you have too many worms in your compost?

Answer: Red wiggler worms are amazing in so many ways, and population management is one of them. So, the short answer to the question is “No, you can never have too many worms!” Here’s why: As worms adjust to their home, they lay eggs to reproduce, allowing more and more worms to join the population in the environment.

What can I do with leftover nightcrawlers?

Harvest your worms at least once a month.



Either take the worms fishing immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Discard any leftover worms from your fishing trip by releasing them into a shady section of your garden.

Are African nightcrawlers invasive?

Though not native to the US, they are not an invasive species as all worms seem to coexist beneficially. Nightcrawlers are also known by their more common name of a “dew worm” and can be found in many gardens because they’re so helpful for soil.

Are red wigglers and nightcrawlers the same?

The European nightcrawler worm is actually the worm cousin of red wrigglers. But they only differ in the size (European’s are larger). You can find them burrowing and thriving in most compost heaps or piles of animal manure.

Can you mix red wigglers and nightcrawlers?

Red wigglers and nightcrawlers are two worm species you can use on your farm to maintain and/or increase the fertility of plants’ soil. But, the question you’d like answered is, “can you mix red wigglers and nightcrawlers?” Yes, you can.

What can African nightcrawlers not eat?

You should never add meat, animal products, dairy products, or greasy, oily foods to the worm bin. The oils, meat, and milk become rancid as they decompose.

How much space do African nightcrawlers need?

Drill 20 to 50 eighth-inch holes around the top 4 inches of each 5-gallon bucket to provide plenty of aeration for your African nightcrawlers. The holes also will allow you to stack the buckets without cutting off oxygen to the worms, which breathe from the bedding through their skins.

Can you put nightcrawlers in potting soil?

You can put earthworms to potted plants but you need to use the right amount and types of earthworms for optimal plant health. Nightcrawlers, red wigglers, and pot worms are the best worms to use in potted plants.

How long does it take nightcrawlers to multiply?

Night crawlers mature in 350 days and produce 38 cocoons per year per worm.