What makes routine handling of earthworms in worm bins common practice among enthusiasts?
Answer
The direct physical act of touching common earthworms presents a very low risk of disease transmission
The practice of handling earthworms with bare hands in composting setups is common because earthworms, as typical soil dwellers, are generally not known to transmit specific, immediate diseases simply through contact with intact skin. If touching them posed a high, direct threat of illness, this dedicated hobby involving routine handling would be significantly curtailed due to perceived risk. The danger lies not in the creature itself upon simple contact, but in the potential for transferring pathogens present in the soil environment via the hands later on.
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