We carry 2 different types of worms on this site and it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for you. This article is intended to help straighten out all the confusion and to help you pick the right worm for your needs. Most of our customers fall into one of three categories: composters, fisherman, gardeners. Often times they fall into a couple of those categories. We will go over the 2 different types of worms we carry, as well as few other types of worms, and discuss which categories each worm is for.
Red Worms
Good for: Composting, Fishing
Red worms are the ultimate composter. The compost material the fastest and are quick breeders. They are also very tolerant of many conditions. So if you are just starting out with worm composting, these are the worms for you. They can also be used for fishing, but the worms are a little on the small side. Some say that they are too small, while others like them and say they are the perfect size for the hook and that they don’t have to cut them in half like other worms. If you are a fisherman that thinks the bigger worm the better, then you may want to get the European Nightcrawler instead.
European Nightcrawlers
Good for: Fishing, Composting
The European Nightcrawler is closely related to the red worm. It’s main difference is that it is a little bit bigger than the red worm. This makes it more popular with fisherman who are trying to raise their own worms to save a little money on bait. They are also pretty tolerant of conditions like the red worm. The European Nightcrawler is also a good composter and is a close second as far as speed in composting material.
African Nightcrawlers
Good for: Fishing, Composting
African Nightcrawlers are even bigger than the European Nightcrawlers. They often have a similar thickness as the European Nightcrawler, but they can be much longer. We’ve seen them get to be 12 inches long! They are excellent for fishing and composting. We would recommend them to everyone if they were more tolerant to cool temperatures. They are a tropical worm and therefore cannot take cold winter conditions like the Red Worms and the European Nightcrawlers can. Also they are a little more picky about their bin conditions. If things aren’t just right in your bin, they will try to escape. If this is your first time raising worms, we might recommend you try one of the two worms listed above. If you already have a little experience raising worms, these are a great choice as they are big and can process material very fast.
Alabama Jumpers
Good For: Gardening, Fishing
Alabama Jumpers are not like the three composting worms listed above. They won’t do very well in a composting bin. These worms are ideal for releasing outside in your lawn or garden. They are just like the worms you might find in your soil. They help loosen and aerate your soil while their castings (worm poop) contain nutrients that are readily available to your plants. The Alabama Jumpers are also fantastic for fishing. They are probably our most active worm. When touched or provoked, these worms can literally jump! They flail their bodies by quickly curling up and straightening out their bodies in such a way that can actually cause them to jump out of your hand. Needless to say, fish love them. They typically do best in the southern half of the United States.
Canadian Nightcrawlers
Good For: Fishing, Gardening
Canadian Nightcrawlers are well known in the fish bait industry. They are the worm most commonly found in bait shops. They are typically kept refridgerated so they last a long time in bait cups without needing to be feed. They are very large, often people cut these worms in half as they can be hard to fit on a hook. They can also be released into your lawn or garden to help loosen and aerate your soil while their castings (worm poop) contain nutrients that are readily available to your plants. They typically do best in the northern half of the United States.