Buzz
Bloodworms, reaching lengths of up to 14 inches (36 cm), are carnivorous creatures. Though they may seem daunting compared to typical earthworms, they serve various purposes such as fishing bait, fish feed, and even nourishment for carnivorous plants if you have them at home. However, exercising caution is essential when dealing with bloodworms. These creatures have a tendency to bite, are potentially poisonous, and can transform into aggressive flies within 10-30 days if left unused or alive. While their bites may not necessarily warrant a trip to the hospital, it's worth noting that some individuals may have allergies to bloodworms, making it crucial to handle them with care.
Instructions
Establishing the Habitat
Secure a watertight aquarium or plastic container to house your bloodworms. While your bloodworms require sunlight, it's also imperative to keep them covered, making an aquarium the optimal choice. Alternatively, a transparent plastic container can suffice. If you opt for a solid-colored container, ensure you have a transparent lid or cover the top with plastic wrap whenever you inspect your bloodworms.
- The size of the container is relatively flexible, but larger options are preferable. A standard 48 by 24 in (122 by 61 cm) aquarium can accommodate 50-100 worms comfortably.
Pro Tip: Bloodworms cannot be grown in freezing temperatures below 32 °F (0 °C). However, they thrive in most other environments.
Spread a layer of garden soil measuring 3–6 in (7.6–15.2 cm) in the habitat. Bloodworms are exceptionally hardy creatures, capable of thriving in various soil types. Simply gather soil from your yard, ensuring it's free of grass and debris, then distribute it evenly in the habitat. Smoothen the soil surface to create a level bed.
- Bloodworms tend to burrow deep into the soil. While adding more soil increases their habitat, it makes them harder to harvest later on. Nonetheless, adequate soil is crucial for their sustenance and growth.
Mix animal manure into the soil to provide nourishment for the worms. Precision isn't necessary here; bloodworms aren't picky eaters. Use farm animal manure, adding approximately 1 oz (28 g) for every 2 lb (0.91 kg) of soil.
- Preferably, opt for chicken or cow manure, although other types work as well.
- Avoid using dog or cat feces, as they can be harmful to the worms.
Moisten the soil by pouring rainwater and stirring until it forms a thick paste. If it hasn't rained, collect rainwater in a bucket and pour it onto the soil until it's just below the surface. Then, mix the soil, manure, and water thoroughly to achieve a dense, watery consistency.
- Tap water is harmful to bloodworms, as they rely on certain bacteria found in rainwater for sustenance and growth.
- If accessible, pond or creek water serves as suitable alternatives.
Acquire midge fly eggs to initiate the growth of your bloodworms. If you're near a coastal region and prefer to gather the eggs yourself, search for tiny, pale specks beneath leaves near water bodies. Alternatively, purchase the eggs from local worm dealers, typically found where bloodworm bait is sold.
- You can harvest the worms independently by locating them in coastal areas, but remember they mature into flies, limiting their shelf life. Prompt use is advisable upon discovery.
- Midge fly eggs are also referred to as chironomid eggs, signifying the same thing.
Hatching and Safeguarding Your Worms
Introduce the eggs into the soil and sprinkle dead leaves over them. Once you've obtained or gathered the eggs, gently place them on the moist mud surface. Crumple a handful of dead leaves and scatter them lightly over the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 5-10 days, and the larvae will begin consuming the leaves and manure.
- No additional action is required while you await their growth; simply leave the container in sunlight.
- Avoid using green leaves or grass, as these may lead to the worms' demise if used as their sole source of food.
Secure the habitat to prevent mosquito intrusion. Mosquitoes are attracted to bloodworm eggs and larvae, feeding on the former and preying on the latter. When not attending to the worms, always keep the lid securely in place to shield them. If a lid is unavailable, cover the container opening with plastic wrap.
- If mosquitoes infiltrate the tank, it could spell disaster, necessitating the setup of a new tank.
Ensure ample sunlight exposure for your tank, and prevent the eggs from freezing. To maintain optimal conditions for the eggs, provide ample sunlight and safeguard them from freezing temperatures. In case of unusually cold weather, bring the tank indoors to prevent the eggs from freezing.
Allow approximately a week for the eggs to hatch. Eggs typically hatch within a week, revealing small, pink worms wriggling within the soil. Keep the habitat exposed to sunlight post-hatching and ensure the lid remains on to deter mosquito intrusion.
Pro Tip: If the temperature drops to 35–40 °F (2–4 °C) at this stage, it's actually beneficial. The cooler weather slows down the worms' growth and development, preventing premature maturation.
Provide the worms with a small amount of manure and some dead leaves on a weekly basis. Every week, add a handful of manure and dead leaves to the habitat. While the worms continue to grow with each feeding, they don't require excessive amounts of food to thrive.
- At this stage, taking care of the worms is exceptionally easy. They're quite resilient and don't demand much attention.
Inspect the habitat daily to monitor the progress of the bloodworms. Bloodworms mature into midge flies within 10-30 days after hatching, so it's important to closely observe their growth and coloration. Watch for changes from bright pink to deep red, indicating they're approaching maturity. Check on the worms daily to detect any color or shape alterations.
- While larvae curl into loops or figure-8 shapes, pupae assume a straighter, hook-like form.
- Growing bloodworms can be tricky since they cannot be bred, and they eventually transform into bothersome flies.
Managing and Preserving the Worms
Utilize the worms as bait or fish food prior to their development into midge flies. Regardless of your purpose for raising the worms, it's essential to dispose of them before they undergo metamorphosis into midge flies. As the bloodworms transition from light pink to deep red 5-10 days before pupation, use them for fishing or feeding your plants or fish.
- Midge flies are notorious for biting, laying numerous eggs, and being quite bothersome. Allowing bloodworms to mature into midge flies is highly undesirable!
Once bloodworms develop a deep red color, store them in the refrigerator. If the worms turn red earlier than expected, you can postpone their transformation into midge flies by placing them in a plastic bag and refrigerating them. Use a scooper to separate the worms from the mud and transfer them into the airtight bag. Avoid direct contact with the worms due to their biting nature; instead, use a stick, spoon, or fork to handle them.
- This method extends their shelf life for approximately 2-3 weeks. However, if you discover flies in the bag, discard the worms immediately.
Pro Tip: A cat litter scooper works well for this purpose as it allows you to shake off excess soil after scooping up the worms.
Apply salt to the worms to prevent them from becoming midge flies, especially if you intend to use them as bait. Adding salt to the worms further delays their transition into midge flies, but this method is suitable only for fishing bait, not for feeding pets or plants. After placing the worms in a plastic bag, sprinkle a thin layer of table salt over them. This additional step can prolong their lifespan by 1-2 weeks.
- Although some worms may perish, it won't affect their usability as bait if they are kept refrigerated. However, ensure they do not spoil or decay inside the bag.
Give the worms a rinse in dechlorinated water before feeding them to pets or plants. Prior to feeding bloodworms to carnivorous plants or pet fish, rinse them to eliminate any bacteria or contaminants. Fill a small container with dechlorinated water, transfer the worms into it, and allow them to swim for 30-45 seconds. Then, use a scooper to retrieve them. When offering the worms to your fish or plant, use tongs or a spoon to handle them and prevent bites.
- Bloodworms are not strong swimmers, so retrieving them from the water should be relatively easy.
Pro Tips
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Allowing 5-10% of bloodworms to mature into midge flies and lay eggs in your yard may seem like a sustainable option, but it could lead to a troublesome fly infestation. It's advisable to use or dispose of any excess worms to prevent such issues.
Cautionary Notes
- A bloodworm's bite is akin to a bee sting. While it may cause temporary itching due to its toxicity, the discomfort typically subsides within minutes.
- If bitten by a bloodworm and experiencing symptoms like fever, sweating, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. Some individuals may have allergies to bloodworm venom, necessitating prompt medical care.
Essentials
Preparing the Habitat
- Container: Aquarium or plastic bin
- Soil: Garden soil
- Organic Material: Manure
- Water Source: Rainwater
- Living Organisms: Bloodworms
Ensuring Worm Hatch Success
- Cover: Lid
- Natural Material: Dead leaves
Managing Worms After Hatching
- Storage: Plastic bag
- Preservative: Salt
- Fluid: Water
- Tool: Scooper
- Utensil: Spoon, fork, or stick
- Cleansing Agent: Water
