SOME THINGS THAT KILL WORMS

• Winter: freezing temperatures and sudden cold snaps in the fall.
• Summer: excessive heat and dry conditions.
• Animals: birds, at least 3 varieties of mites, (including the red spider mite), centipedes, slugs, snails, moles, raccoons and fishermen.
• Environment: inescapable heat over 90 degrees F. or under 40 degrees F., ultraviolet light, lack of moisture, extreme acid or base conditions, lack of food , lack of air, poor drainage of container, and anaerobic conditions. Ultraviolet light whacks the little critters too.
• Chemical: pesticides, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, petroleum products, caustic chemicals, high acid or base plant parts or liquids, household cleaners and chemicals including detergents, any household hazardous waste material.

The experts say that the average life expectancy of a feral earthworm is one year or less. Some also speculate that if kept under optimal conditions, without predition, the life expectancy of a worm could strech on into the realm of immortality! That's a long, long time kids! Even when an earthworm is cut almost in half, the head end may grow a new hind end (regenerate).