Q. I started a Mulch bin about 10 yr. ago. It is about
4ft. by 6 ft. on the ground. Today when I went to get mulch for my vegetable
garden and found a 1/2 dozen Grubs. How do I get rid of the grub and keep the
worms?
4ft. by 6 ft. on the ground. Today when I went to get mulch for my vegetable
garden and found a 1/2 dozen Grubs. How do I get rid of the grub and keep the
worms?
A. First of I would like to refer you to a pretty
extensive discussion I posted on my blog regarding composts and grubs in the
compost.
extensive discussion I posted on my blog regarding composts and grubs in the
compost.
 |
| Grubs from compost pile |
Secondly, we have
to remember that these grubs, like earthworms, are decomposers… they are
taking raw products from your compost and helping to convert them into a soil
amendment of very high quality through their gut. But we also know that these
are potentially problem bugs when they mature so as you already identified it
might not be a good idea to cultivate them.
If it were me, the compost pile needs to be turned
regularly to aerate it so it does not get anaerobic or it will get all sorts of
problems. So if you are turning your compost pile then expose these grubs for
the birds. Have you ever seen birds follow a tractor that is cultivating a
field? the birds know that during cultivation all sorts of goodies are exposed
and looking for a free lunch.
regularly to aerate it so it does not get anaerobic or it will get all sorts of
problems. So if you are turning your compost pile then expose these grubs for
the birds. Have you ever seen birds follow a tractor that is cultivating a
field? the birds know that during cultivation all sorts of goodies are exposed
and looking for a free lunch.
The other problem you may encounter (I am not sure
because it is not clear) is that your compost pile might be in some location
where the birds cannot get to it such as a barrel composter or the like. One
advantage that worms have over grubs is their ability to move faster than grubs
can. If the soil is starting to heat up, they will go deeper quite quickly
while the grubs cannot. So another alternative is to cover the compost with
clear plastic and heat the upper layers of the compost but allow it to be deep
enough so the worms can escape. Keep it at 165F for at least 30 minutes and let
the grubs cook and then let it cool down. The earthworms will again migrate
back up to the upper surfaces or through the compost. A third way is to remove
the worms. Heat up the compost with solar energy (clear plastic again) and
re-introduce worms after it has cooled.
because it is not clear) is that your compost pile might be in some location
where the birds cannot get to it such as a barrel composter or the like. One
advantage that worms have over grubs is their ability to move faster than grubs
can. If the soil is starting to heat up, they will go deeper quite quickly
while the grubs cannot. So another alternative is to cover the compost with
clear plastic and heat the upper layers of the compost but allow it to be deep
enough so the worms can escape. Keep it at 165F for at least 30 minutes and let
the grubs cook and then let it cool down. The earthworms will again migrate
back up to the upper surfaces or through the compost. A third way is to remove
the worms. Heat up the compost with solar energy (clear plastic again) and
re-introduce worms after it has cooled.
I hope this helps.
Backyard chickens are a much better solution. 🙂
Yes.. chickens would think they are in a (outdoor)French Restaurant if they could eat all the grubs I find in my compost! I just worry about the coyotes here.