Hello, this is my first time making compost and there are these big Brown worms that have somehow gotten into my compost bin. They look like big black caterpillars with grooves on them like large screws. At first it was just a few, now they have grown into a community. I'm scared to turn the compost over. I have it covered up so they won't get out and get me. Is this normal and if it's not what do I do to get rid of them? I don't wanna kill anybody but they are enormous and it's a lot of them. They look like snakes. I'm nervous. My Compost was doing so good but are they gonna ruin the compost I've been working on all summer? Please help. I'm a nature person and all but when the bugs outnumber me I feel threatened. Should I take the top off and let the sun and birds getum, what do I do? I mean at least that would help the food chain. Need insight. Thank you!

Can you upload some photos of these worms please?

It is normal for worms/earthworms to inhabit compost bins; they are part of the cycle that breaks the material down.

Tiffani. Do they look like this?

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

Oh, gag. Those look gross. LOL

Those arent worms!

kittriana said:Those arent worms!

Tiffani said they look like caterpillars with grooves, and caterpillars are often referred to as worms, hence cutworms, armyworms etc.

sooby said: Tiffani. Do they look like this?

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

That was my first though from the description.

@Horntoad Yes that is exactly what they look like. Are they going to turn into flies, because if they do they are going to be the biggest flues on earth. The kind that might fly off with me! Nevermind me. Just trying to bring some sunlight into this grim subject. Anyway keeping it serious, what are they and will they do harm to my compost? Are they normal or did I do something wrong? More importantly should they stay or should they be served with an eviction notice?

@Greene and @Sooby My goodness you guys know exactly what I'm talking about! Thank you for providing info instead of judgment. I did state this is my first time making compost and this a forum for questions.

If I knew what they were there would not be a need to ask, but you guys hit it dead on the nail head.

Hi Greene I'm in Conyers, Georgia. I just love Savannah. Tybee Island and River Street. One of the best places in the world to me. My girlfriends and I are plan on visiting soon to go on the history tours and eat, yummy!

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

@Horntoad Thank you too for your help!

Well everybody turns out these Black Soilder Larva guys are good hard workers that I want in my compost! I found this article that explained their many virtues! http://www.edthatmatters.com/c...

My whole mindset has changed about them. I would not have understood what they were had you guys not responded with such excellent identification skills. You all are the best. Hats off to the forum contributors who helped!

Unless they totally gross you out they probably aren't a problem, maybe even beneficial, but these two articles may help you decide if you want to evict them:

http://extension.oregonstate.e...

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/crea...

Edited to say we crossed posted, glad you've found the answer to your question.

Here's some more information on the black soldier flies and their larvae. If that's what you have, sounds like they are a good thing.
http://steamykitchen.com/21602...

Happy to see you succeeding with the compost. The black soldier fly larvae are very hard workers.

Glad you enjoy Savannah. If you plan a trip please try to have it coincide with the local swap - usually the first Saturday in October and April - so you can pick up a ton of free plants for you and your friends.