Flies in Wormery

[Sue]

Hi
I opened up my can-of-worms today and hundreds of small white flies flew out -urgh
What are they and how can I get them to go away?
Sue

[Hazel at the Hill]

I think that they are fruit flies, and nothing to worry about, Sue - but they'll be a more experience grape along who will let you know for sure. I think that you can do something about them, but I can't remember what.

Sorry - not much use that, was it.......?

[johnty greentoes]

I spent the afternoon with my class planting a living willow sculpture. Some smart alec started collecting worms and before I knew what was happening had chatted our caretaker to making a wormery out of an old water-cooler canister. It now takes pride of place in class!

Hopefully no fruit flies though.

I agree with Hazel - fruit flies, pesky, take ages to disappear but harmless.

[Alison]

If they're fruit flies then you're wormery is too acidic, you need to add lime, either in the pelleted form as available from the likes of Wiggly Wigglers etc or loads of crushed egg shells.

[Sue]

Alison
Thanks for that, I will add some lime pellets, do you know why it's got acidic so I can stop it happening again?
best wishes
Sue