Please just move it outside where they can hatch. Preferably on a plant of some kind. The parasitic wasps that will hatch from it will benefit you 100x more than any damage the hornworm will do. Dave

I myself bought fishing worms to start up my bin. It was from a local outdoor supply store, and the bag said they were red wrigglers. I'd looked at lot on the internet to help me identify them, and were pretty sure that is what they were. I paid $5 for a bag of 20 (19 alive, 1 not). The supplier's address indicated they were 2 hours from me, but since I was starting small, I didn't mind beginning with so few. After a few weeks I went back to the supply outfit and forked over another $5 for another bag of 20. I fed them hardly 2 tablespoons of (hand) minced scraps that I'd frozen first-then thawed, twice per month. Then noticed that when the good food was run out, I'd have white springtails all over the ceiling of my rubbermaid, but if there was stuff for them to work on, nothing on the lid or sides (maybe a few drops of moisture). So that is how I've been able to guage when the bin needs more food. Hope I'm right. This was 18 months ago, now I need to feed weekly, about 1/2 cup chopped and frozen scrap, and just judging by how many worms I see when I do poke around, I'm guessing I could be up to 150 - 200? I need to start up another bin soon (when I can claim the time), and plan on making it bigger, then I will do a count, and hopefully remember to report back to this forum, should anyone be interested. I've enjoyed nuturing them along. It's been fun. I'm also thinking of purchasing another bag of 20 this summer, just to freshen the genetics of the herd I've already got, does this make sense?

I have at least 4 types of worms in my boxes, in different amounts and different percentages or ratios to each other. They all get along well with each other (no civil disobedience that I'm aware of), and each type of worm seems to locate a "friend" so everybody is happy. They do what all compost worms do even if each type of worm has a special talent or skill. They all make poo and babies, just at different speeds. Not a problem with me. One pound of worms will make 5 gallons of poo and 2.5 pounds of worms in 3 months. Like clockwork. If it still matters what type of worms you have, post some pics and the experts will be glad to research and solve this mystery for you. Have fun with them worms. steamyb

After a long day on my feet, I sit down to the computer to see what's up, and what a delight to view these photos you've taken the time to share. Thanks Rosemary! We've just finished some freezy coldy weather, so it's nice to see places where you don't have to be bundled up.