Vermicompost also known as Worm Castings, have virtually no smell and are an effective insect repellant. Vermicompost or worm castings are inoculated with the enzyme chitinase from the digestive tract of the worm. This enzyme degrades chitin, which is the substance comprising most insect exoskeletons. Sprinkling castings on the soil around the base of plants, especially seedlings, provides an effective deterrent to soil dwelling insects. Spraying a tea made from worm castings on plants is an effective insect repellant against sucking or chewing insects. We have sprayed vermicompost tea on blackberry bushes, peach trees, roses, hibiscus, as a Japanese Beetle deterrent and have had great success saving most of our fruits and flowers for several years. Happy Sunday!

 

Fun Fact: Patents have been filed for both worm castings and worm tea as an insect repellent. To read the entire patent abstract click here.

 

 

As sited in the above patent abstract: Academic research, by others, has revealed that one natural insect repellant is any chitinase enzymes. (Natural chitinase enzymes can be produced by bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes). The level of the chitinase enzyme for effective repellency is in the range of 1 million cfu/gdw (Colony Forming Units/ gram dry weight). Worm castings were submitted for tests to determine the level of the chitinase enzyme production. The tests showed a concentrations of chitinase in the range of 54 million CFU/gdw. This is concentration is over 50 times the estimated level for repellency. The chitinase-producing organisms in the worm castings consisted of five bacteria, four fungi, and five actinomycetes.

 

For Vermicompost / Worm Casting tea recipe click here.