Let's begin with some background information on the subject of introduced, non-native species of earthworms and the damage they are doing to Minnesota forests. It has only been in the past decade that soil and forest scientists have been aware of the decline (actually, total disappearance in some forested areas) of many native wildflowers, ferns, and tree seedlings. A research project on the decline of Minnesota forest had surprise outcome;  the realization that earthworms, originally introduced by European settlers and further spread by fishermen dumping leftover bait, are the cause. There is no evidence that earthworms ever inhabited Minnesota before European settlers arrived on its shores. Forested areas that are heavily infested by earthworms become barren of the natural thick layer of slowly decomposing leaf litter, which small native plants require for growth. Red wiggler worms are commonly used for vermicomposting (worm composting) and, thus far, have not been shown to survive Minnesota winters. We assume that is what you intend to use them for; and, to answer your question, because red wiggler worms are one of these non-native earthworms, you will not find them "naturally" in Minnesota. A search on the Internet will bring up many sites offering them for sale. You can probably also find them at many bait shops.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, insect issues, minnesota, worms, mnmg, vermicomposting, sustainable gardens and landscapes, red wrigglers