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Does power raking discourage night crawlers or just disperse the castings? Won't the night crawlers just continue to create the castings on a nightly basis?

Last Updated: May 15, 2008

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You can reduce the inconvenience the casting mounds cause by using a power rake (also called a vertical mower) to help knock them down. Early autumn is the best time to power rake, although you can power rake in spring once the ground is firm underfoot and before hot weather sets in. When you power rake in spring, it's also a good idea to apply a preemergent herbicide to prevent annual weeds from sprouting. Yes, if you have a healthy population of night crawlers, they will continue to form castings. For more information, check out this link: Night Crawlers. You will note that they are most active in the spring and fall. During the warmer months they are deeper in the soil.

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