Composting with Isopods
** Early Access ** - Even More Iso-Fun for Less!
Welcome!
If you made it to this page, you likely have an interest in (or at least, curiosity about) my new course - Composting with Isopods (CWI). Thanks very much! If all goes according to plan, I'm hoping to have a more "official" launch later in 2025.
But in the meantime, I'd love to get some people inside checking things out, sharing feedback etc!
The timing of this early release is also very important (especially for people in the Northern Hemisphere) - something we will circle back to a bit further down!
"Why Isopods? Why Now?"
I've been educating people about worm composting for almost 20 years, as I type this in 2025. Pretty crazy! As a biology guy and nature nut, I was always interested in the other organisms in my systems - but never on a level remotely close to the worms.
That is, until I had some chats with a worm farming friend a few years back!
My friend Sean happened to mention he was breeding isopods, and making more money than with his worm business - and in a lot less space. As an avid 'worm biz guy' myself, this alone caught my attention. But even just the fact that he was somehow able to raise huge populations of isopods - using mostly "browns" - in the corner of a room seemed totally wild to me.
I was never able to get isopods to thrive (like my worms) in most of my regular plastic worm bins over the years, and actually ended up under the impression that anyone who did have lots of them was doing something "wrong" (this can still be the case - haha - but there is definitely more to the story)!
Weirdly enough, not long after getting into these chats with Sean, some neglected systems I had going at my dad's place ended up with thriving populations of isopods after I had basically filled them up with fall leaves.
Using some of the tips Sean gave me, I was able to nurture the populations even further. It was amazing watching the way they bulldozed through "browns" that would normally stick around for months (even sometimes years) in a regular worm bin - and this got me started down the path towards my "hybrid" (isopods + worms) system concept.
This initial "success" (and continued chats with Sean) definitely kept isopods on my radar, but it wasn't until I had more of a major breakthrough in 2024 that things really started falling into place. This inspired a major deep-dive into the world of isopod-keeping (yes, that's actually a thing lol), and I haven't looked back since!
Before I tell you more about that, though, let's back up a bit and talk about...
Vermicomposting - the "Normal" Way
One of the most common ways people jump into worm composting is by starting up some form of home worm bin. These are very often fairly small in size and made of plastic. They tend to retain moisture really well and have somewhat limited airflow.
On the positive side, when well-managed, the worms tend to do just fine and you can end up with some fairly decent vermicompost.
The problem, though, is that they are often overfed with water-rich food scraps and can end up swampy and overrun with less desireable organisms like fruit flies and mites. This not only reduces the enjoyment of the process, but it slows everything down, and often results in a very inferior end product.
There are of course plenty of ways to improve your vermicomposting! I've been preaching about the value of excellent aeration, using more natural (including "living") materials, and opting for less-fancy - yet, ironically, often more effective - systems.
But, my deep dive into the world of isopods has revealed an entirely new perspective on "optimized vermicomposting"!
Isopods + Composting Worms for the WIN!
Just the fact that there's a huge online community of people who actually raise isopods (yes, on purpose) kinda blew my mind, but it was spending time learning all the proper methods for raising them successfully that really made things click.
Of course, me being me, I wasn't satisfied with simply raising isopods on their own. I needed to get composting worms involved as well. And it was the partnership of these two organisms where I discovered the real "magic".
How Isopods Help Worms
Fragmenting Resistant "Browns" - Isopods are incredibly talented at breaking down tough, high-carbon materials, greatly increasing surface area for microbial colonization, and making them much more accessible as a food source for worms. Very often these types of materials can sit around for many months (sometimes years) in a regular vermicomposting system, so this alone can be a bit of a game-changer.
Other Food Options - There is a range of other foods (etc) isopod keepers add to their systems that you wouldn't typically add to a worm bin (e.g. meat and bones). This means you can potentially process more of your organic wastes and the worms ultimately end up with a wider range of nutrition sources.
Optimal Conditions/Environment - Ironically enough, systems set up to cater to isopods (that contain composting worms) can actually end up with a more effective worm composting process than you see in the average worm bin! Obviously this isn't universal for all vermicomposters (especially those with more experience), but a lot of worm bins are way too wet, have too much food, don't have enough bedding - all of which can lead to issues.
Work Well in Dry Conditions - In a regular worm composting system, anything that ends up dry usually doesn't get broken down (at least not until it get's damp again). Isopods actually need some dry-ish areas to thrive, and can to help break down dry materials faster.
How Worms Help Isopods
Worms Eat Iso Wastes - In the isopod keeping world you see a lot of cautions about leaving a system going too long (without some sort of reset etc). What many iso-people don't realize is that keeping composting worms in an isopod bin can have a huge positive impact since the worms are like a "clean up crew" for the isopods.
Worms Need Damp Conditions - Keeping composting worms in the same systems as your isopods almost guarantees you'll never have to worry about conditions getting "too dry" for the isopods (a common issue with new isopod keepers). It also helps to ensure that damp conditions won't end up causing problems (another issue new isopod keepers can experience).
No Food Build Up - People caution not to add too much food, especially water-rich foods, to an isopod bin, since this can lead to mold-growth and other hassles. Obviously there are limits with feeding worms as well, but what might be considered "over-feeding" with isopods can actually work very well for composting worms. Once again, the worms can serve as a sort of "clean up crew".
Better End Product? - It's no secret that vermicast is the gold standard of all-natural soil amendments. While you don't see much written about the gardening value of isopod poop - the possibilities for a unique, potentially superior end product definitely seems possible (for a number of reasons)! On that note, let's now look at...
My Experience with "Iso-Vermicast" (So Far)
I've had the chance to start harvesting and testing out compost from some of my systems already - and I I've definitely been impressed! It has the look of a really nice quality vermicast, and seems to screen really easily - likely in part due to the nice granular consistency of isopod castings - but also likely due to the well-ventilated conditions of the systems it has been coming from.
My initial hunch has been that the combination of isopod and worm activity might result in a form of castings/compost with some unique properties and benefits, or at least something as valuable as quality vermicast. The diversity of materials (and more significant input of natural "browns"), along with the highly aerobic conditions, and of course the usual "magic" of the worm action just feels like a pretty special combination to me.
Earlier in the (2025) season, I used some material from the bottom of a backyard composter containing loads of both worms and isopods in some ornamental planters. A couple of the plants were pretty dismal bargain leftovers I "rescued" from plant sale racks, while two others were dug straight from my gardens with very little in the way of root structure. A bit further along in the season I also added some more refined iso-vermicast (from one of my indoor systems) as a top-dressing.
I honestly wasn't very optimistic about my chances of success, and was dreading the inevitable "I told you so!" from my wife (who is always wanting to buy the expensive ready-to-go planters from the nursery lol)...but the results have been pretty surprising to say the least! The second image honestly doesn't even do this planter justice (or its twin - I have a pair of them that look almost identical).
Over the years, I've created some halfway-decent diy planters (mostly to appease my wife lol), but this is probably the first season where I've actually felt a real sense or pride looking at our front porch, where all our planters are sitting!
I'm obviously not gonna claim it was ALL because of the isopods (I know what worm castings can do), but I'm at least really happy to know that I can produce some pretty top notch castings in a hybrid system (while also processing loads of "browns" along the way)!
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As an interesting/funny side note...
It's been a very hot, dry summer overall, and my planters have been demonstrating some really impressive drought resistance.
[This is (weirdly) one of the awesome benefits of vermicast that hardly anyone seems to talk about - and something I've witnessed over and over again.]
My son waters plants for one of our neighbours when they go away on summer trips, and I play "supervisor" just to make sure everything goes smoothly. Well, a little while back (at time of writing), I made the mistake of using our own planters as indicators of the watering-needs of our neighbour's planters during a particularly hot, dry stretch.
Whoops!
Ours looked great - showing no signs of water-stress (even with them getting watered less often than the neighbor's), but when I finally checked up on their planters, they were all looking pretty rough! Thankfully, I at least caught it in time to rescue all but one (very small) pot of flowers.
(I also ended up adding some of my iso-vermicast to their planters - shhhh! lol)
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Admittedly, this is still something of a "new frontier" for me - but I'm excited to continue producing and testing out this iso-worm material!
Getting Back To The Timing...
Earlier I mentioned that part of my motivation for releasing this "early" version of the package related to timing. In temperate regions of the world - especially up here in the Northern Hemisphere - we are headed towards fall (as I write this), when the best resources for these types of systems (e.g. dead leaves) are particularly abundant! Mild weather can also be important for collecting local isopods.
This way you can get a jumpstart on testing out these types of systems before the cold weather settles in (and ideally, have some ready to go for indoor use as well)! During this period, I will also likely have a lot more updates to share with members!
Again, this is a fairly new adventure for me, but it is one that I am very excited about! I see a lot of possibilities for combining the waste-processing "powers" of isopods and worms (and have been blown away by what I've seen already).
In case you're wondering...I'm not suggesting this is some sort of composting "end all be all" approach - but I do think it could be a bit of a game changer for a lot of people (especially those wanting to process lots of "browns" or anyone already interested in isopods)!
Who Should Join Now?
Anyone really interested in the ideas I've been sharing - especially those wanting to get started with their own systems soon (remember the "timing" advantage I just mentioned).
Anyone with an interest in isopods as a potential business (again, the timing could be very important).
Educators looking for a fun way to teach students about decomposition/ecology etc.
Anyone who wants to take advantage of the discount.
Fans of my work, who want to help me with my educational efforts as a whole.
NOTE: In case you are wondering about experience - don't worry if you are brand new to either composting worms or isopods (or both). I am more than happy to provide any extra guidance you need (or at least point you in the right direction) above and beyond what's in the course.
Who Shouldn't Join Now?
Anyone needing a fully finished / polished looking course in order to be happy (you can see what you get now further down).
Isopod-skeptics who aren't willing to keep an open mind. (lol)
Anyone expecting results "yesterday" (like most things that matter, this takes some time).
Anyone who doesn't connect with my style of educating (goofball humor etc).
Some Things I'd Love to Explore Moving Forward
More Iso-Vermicast Testing - I'm really interested in doing more experimentation with the compost I'm producing in my hybrid systems. Early results have been very promising, but it would be great to test things out on a more serious level.
BIG "Bucket Systems" - One cool discovery has been that regular 5 gal pails (without lids) can be surprisingly effective iso/worm composters (and population-starter bins for isopods). Seeing how well these smaller buckets are working has me thinking bigger! I'd love to test out the same idea in large plastic garbage cans.
Testing More Isopod Varieties - I've been really impressed by what Porcellio scaber (a very common "wild" variety) can do, but I'm interested to see how some other types compare.
Isopods as Live Food Organisms - Some of the early inspiration for creating this course actually stemmed from some exchanges I had with an avid chicken keeper - based on how big a captive isopod population can get, she was wondering if they might serve as a valuable supplemental feed for her birds. I'd love to explore this (and various other) live food possibilities.
Ready to Get Involved?
$37
$17
I definitely like to reward all those who support my projects early on (since it greatly helps with the further development of the project and other Compost Guy resources)! During this "early bird" phase you can join for more than 50% off my planned launch price!
(A secure checkout will open in a new window)
What You Get Now
CWI Member Area & Course - Online member area where you can access course lessons and other important resource pages. We're currently sitting at 6 core modules with over 20 lesson pages
100+ Page Composting with Isopods Written Guide - This is basically a PDF version of the course content you can download and read offline.
BONUS 'Isopods as a Business' Module - If you are interested in the idea of starting a business related to isopods, this module provides information and ideas (and hopefully some inspiration) to help you get started!
CWI E-Mail List - This will be my main means of keeping course participants in the loop about CWI news and updates, and to share helpful/interesting content relating to the course. (NOTE: I've created a public "Fun with Isopods (and Worms)" list as well - and will aim to limit the overlap between these two lists. So, I recommend being on both)
Direct Access to Me - This will probably be a fairly small initial group of people involved, so it should be even easier to reach me directly (quickly) with questions and anything else you want to chat about.
Influence on Future Direction of the Course - I will be paying very close attention to what members have to say about the package, and this will definitely help to determine the ultimate future direction I take with it. It's your opportunity to finally be an "influencer"! ;-)
Discussion Group?? - Depending on the level of interest, I may also create a group where members can interact.
NOTE: In the "Coming Soon" category (maybe even available when some people read this), I am also working on a Quickstart Guide to help members get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.
Things That Make Isopods Interesting & Fun
So Many Varieties - Unlike composting worms, there are literally 1000's of different terrestrial isopod species, coming in all shapes, sizes, and colors - and showcasing different talents and preferences.
Many Local (Totally Free) "Wild Types" - Also unlike the case with composting worms, most of us likely have easy access to multiple local varieties of isopods. I've found 7 or 8 varieties in my own backyard already - including one many people consider a "fancy" variety. This makes getting started with isopods very easy (not to mention easy on your wallet)! It's also better for your local ecosystem since you don't have to worry about introducing invasive species.
They Are More Visible & Mobile - Sometimes it's nice to actually see the critters you are working with more easily. Isopods tend to have less of an aversion to light than worms, and they also don't mind much drier conditions, so you can tend to see a lot more of them out and about (especially if using some form of terrarium). This can make isopods a great choice for classroom settings as well.
They Eat Cool Things - Apart from blasting through "browns", isopods can also eat a range of different materials most people wouldn't add to a worm bin, such as meat and bones.
They Have Live Births - Worm cocoons are cool - don't get me wrong - but there is something really fun about female isopods dropping broods of miniature (and cute) versions of the adults. As a sidenote, this also helps to explain why a population can seem to explode "out of nowhere". lol
There Are Some Unique Business Possibilities - I'm certainly not making any promises (and I suggest ignoring anyone who does), but if you are an entrepreneurial type you might think about starting a hobby isopod business. There are definitely some caveats regarding raising/selling the animals themselves, but there are plenty of different accessories and supplies to consider as well (e.g. have you ever bought a box of leaves or bark for $50? I doubt it - but plenty of isopod-keepers have)!
They Are Surprisingly Easy to Raise - Once you get past the initial learning curve, it's amazing just how dead simple it can be to raise lots of isopods (especially the common varieties), which brings us to the last point...
There Are Some Great "Live Food" Possibilities - Isopods are a very common "clean-up crew" organism added to enclosures for various reptiles and amphibians (and other creatures I'm sure), and they can end up as a valuable source of nutrition for these animals as a result. Beyond this, there are likely countless other possibilities, including use as food for chickens and ducks, other birds, fish (my son's pet bass eats a ton of them) etc.
Q & A
It is definitely possible to end up with thriving populations of isopods in worm (and other) composting systems. This tends to be accidental, and in some cases can actually indicate that the system isn't operating effectively. What I focus on in the course is how to intentionally optimize for both isopods and worms, so as to take advantage of both of their talents and ensure that your system is operating in an effective manner. For some people, this really may be as easy as a few tweaks - but it's always helpful when you have a solid grasp on the underlying fundamentals!
This depends on a number of different factors, not the least of which is the # of isopods you start with. In the isopod keeping world, starter cultures tend to be a LOT smaller than in the worm composting world (often 30 isopods or less), so you definitely need to be a bit more patient if that's how you are starting (although you can definitely end up with exponentially more within a few months even if you go that route). Some other factors include ambient contitions, how many different isopod varieties are in a single system (and what other organisms are in there), and how well the system is started/managed. Starting with a lot of one specific local variety, in a highly-controlled, well-managed system can greatly speed things up!
Honestly, I was definitely expecting that huge populations of isopods would cause issues for the worm population in my hybrid systems, but I really haven't seen any obvious issues. The key is to make sure you are still meeting the needs of the worms (with moisture, food supply etc). There are still some questions I have about all this - such as whether or not isopods might eat worm cocoons, or in some cases (with particular isopod species) even the worms themselves. Not seeing evidence of this (worm populations still seem to expand readily in my systems), but it's something I'm continuing to monitor.
This is a complex topic with no definitive answer (like a lot of questions relating to worm castings haha). The reasons I see some great potential for at least ending up with a more "well-rounded'"end product include: 1) we're working with a much more diverse selection of materials (many of them from natural sources), 2) we're likely going to end up with a much more diverse ecosystem of micro and macro organisms as a result of the material diversity, 3) there may some unique, beneficial things going on in the isopod digestive system that could add some helpful properties to the end product, 4) the overall conditions needed for isopod "success" have the potential to help us achieve a more effective vermicomposting process as well (e.g. much better airflow etc), 5) the much higher abundance of chitin (main component of isopod exoskeletons) may boost populations of chitinase producing microbes, which could have some plant-disease-fighting implications.
Isopod juveniles actually develop inside the body of females, and are released in the form of miniature versions of the adults, so there definitely wouldn't be any risk of the worms eating their eggs (and they won't harm the young isopods).
While you can certain set up systems outdoors (this should only be with locally-available varieties, though), it's actually not that challenging to set up indoor systems that will keep the isopods contained. Certain varieties can't climb very well at all, and you can literally use completely open bins with zero issues. When working with climbing varieties there are some excellent methods for keeping them well contained (something I discuss in more detail in the course and elsewhere). It is also worth noting that while isopods can likely live longer than worms in a house, they will almost certainly dry out and die if you end up with the odd escapee.
One of the really neat things about isopods is that you can raise a lot of them in relatively small systems - so getting started with all this definitely doesn't need to take up a lot of room, even indoors (probably less space than is required for a comparable number of worms)! I started my first "fancy" variety very successfully in a tiny (6 liter) tupperware tub (they have bigger systems now - but still very similar to regular worm composting bins).
Certain varieties of isopods in certain situations can behave like pests, yes - but it's very important not to make generalizations. There are literally thousands of different varieties! In many cases they are perfectly happy to live in and feed on decaying organic matter, especially when all their needs are being met. Thus far, I have not witnessed any major indication of isopods causing issues in my own yard (or anywhere else)...and I have a LOT of them! lol
There may be some larger "fancy" varieties that have a bite strong enough that you could feel, but I don't know of any isopod varieties that have a painful bite. All the varieties I've worked with are completely harmless (even more so than common garden insects like beetles and crickets).
Not even close! More typical vermicomposting methods/approaches are still highly valuable and important, especially for people with "pro level" knowledge and experience. There are plenty of situations where a hybrid system would actually be a bad idea (e.g. when you need to process large quantities of very rich, wet wastes).
I'm simply offering another interesting/helpful way to process organic wastes - especially those pesky "browns". These types of (iso/worm) systems can work very well alongside your normal worm composting systems, and can often be a lot more hands-free!
