Shock tactics used by worm collector
WHEN Tommy Harbinson went collecting worms, in 1982, his neighbours were shocked.
WHEN Tommy Harbinson went collecting worms, in 1982, his neighbours were shocked.
For Tommy from Lurgan Tarry, didn't just use any old spade - he used an electrified one.
The result was devastating. Worms earwigs, leatherjackets and woodlice would come dancing out of the ground, as though waltzing in time to some unheard melody.
When a neighbour came back from a fishing holiday he told Tommy about the methods used to catch bait in Shannonbridge, County Offaly.
Not surprisingly, he couldn't believe it and couldn't resist trying trying it out for himself. And when he saw the assorted insects wriggling out of the ground 'disco-fashioned' he was dumbfounded.
"We couldn't find worms anywhere at that time," he said, "but in two or three minutes with the electric spade we could fill a biscuit tin.
"This is the only way to collect them now. Before we found out about the electric spade method, we either used soapy water to bring them to the surface, or we went out with a flashlight."
The idea was simple in operation, the theory being that the worms - and whatever else lies beneath the grass - are stunned into following the electrical currents to the surface.
But because 240 volts is used, the technique was dangerous and rubber boots and gloves must always be worn.
Children too should be kept well away from the area once the power was switched on.
"If you are not careful it can be dangerous," continued Tommy. "I wouldn't recommend that anyone tries it unless they know what they're doing."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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