Worms need bedding…usually we use strips of newspaper, but in this case we had some shredded paper packing material from a Christmas gift of Vermont cheese. Kitchen scraps are saved in an open bucket by the sink (I used to cover it, but it actually smells less and composts better if you don’t cover it) and maybe once a week or so bury the bucket contents in the shredded paper. Then it is misted with water…the contents of the worm bin should be kept moist but you don’t want to drown the worms…the holes in the bottom of the upper tiers should keep it drained.
In the photo at right you can see the worms that were hiding under the bedding. You can also see some tiny white insects…these are (I think) fruit fly larvae, which actually do aid in composting, but are also a sign that the compost is on the acidic side. So, in addition to the water misting bottle, I also keep a jar of lime pellets nearby, and once a week or so sprinkle about a tablespoon on top to adjust the pH. That seems to decrease the larvae.