Worms

While worms are great for composting—but when they take over, it's time to take control.

Worming their way in

When worms decide to throw a party in the wrong place or in overwhelming numbers, they can become a bit too enthusiastic and start stripping nutrients from the soil—kind of like that one friend who always eats the last slice of pizza!

So, while worms are generally your garden’s best buddies, keep an eye on them; after all, even the most helpful guests can overstay their welcome!

When to take action

Worms, for the most part, are not pests. But it can all change, and it depends on where they are located, in what numbers they are and the type of worm they are. Here are some signs of harmful worm activity:

Unexplained Plant Wilting: If your plants are wilting without an obvious reason, it could be due to worms feeding on their roots
Visible Root Damage: Check for signs of root damage, which can indicate that worms are feeding on them
Poor Plant Development: If plants are not growing as expected, it might be due to nutrient depletion caused by certain types of worms
Granular Soil: If the soil appears granular, like coffee grounds, it could be a sign of invasive jumping worms
Bare Soil: Areas with bare soil and little to no understory vegetation might indicate the presence of invasive jumping worms

Pestinators' Worm Control

Assess the Situation: We start by checking out your soil and plants to see if worms are indeed the problem. We look for signs like wilting plants, poor soil quality, or visible worm damage.
Identify the Worms: We figure out what type of worms are causing the issue. This helps us choose the right approach, as different worms require different solutions.
Use Natural Methods First: Whenever possible, we opt for natural methods to control worm populations. This might include introducing beneficial insects that prey on harmful worms or using organic soil amendments to improve soil health.
Apply Targeted Treatments: If necessary, we use targeted treatments that specifically address the type of worm causing the problem. This could involve using certain pesticides as a last resort, but we always aim to minimize environmental impact.
Soil Improvement: We help improve your soil quality by adding organic matter or adjusting pH levels. This can discourage harmful worms from sticking around and encourage beneficial ones to thrive.
Monitor Progress: After treatment, we keep an eye on your soil and plants to make sure the worms aren’t causing any more trouble. We adjust our strategies as needed to ensure long-term results.
Educate You: We also take the time to teach you how to prevent worm problems in the future. This might involve tips on soil care, plant selection, and other gardening practices that promote healthy soil ecosystems.