- Compost bins, manure piles, and leaf litter may contain earthworms, even during the winter months.
- You can encourage worms to the surface by pouring hot or warm water on hard surfaces such as sidewalks or patios, and then lifting them to examine them.
- Dig up piles of fallen leaves and other moist matter. These areas attract worms because of the decaying plant material.
- Use a flashlight to look for earthworms beneath rocks and logs during warmer parts of the day.
- Digging down into the soil may be necessary if the ground is soft enough. Look for areas with loose, moist soil, such as near compost piles or gardens.
- Place boards, shingles, cardboard or wet newspapers on the surface of the soil and wait 1-2 days before checking under the cover for earthworms.
- Earthworm traps can be made by placing small containers filled with a mixture of water and molasses or brown sugar in the soil. The worms will be attracted to the bait, and you can collect them from the containers.
- You can also purchase worm boxes or bins designed specifically for collecting earthworms.
