Need advice/help

[u/IZray_l]

Not pictured but a layer of grit (eggshells)

The problem, second time I’m checking under the 3 gallon bucket and there’s some escapees. I keep this outside so I have drainage on the bottom and keep the lid on top. How can I make them happy and or improve the situation?

[u/Distinct-Incident-11]

You also can use a screen mesh that will allow for excess moisture to drain, but too small for worms to escape.
Mainly tho, you are having this issue bc the worms aren’t acclimated to the substrate quite yet &/or are exploring, bc it’s new. As they settle in, this will virtually cease. Therefore, you also can put down whole news paper sheets at the bottom, preventing escape. Eventually the paper will breakdown & by then they have already made the bucket a home & primarily stay near the surface of the substrate.