Earthworms need moisture to survive, so they spend most of their lives underground, in the top three feet of soil. At those depths, they usually have the moisture they need as well as leaves and other dead plant material to eat. Earthworms like moist soil. They can survive in dry soils but they are not active. However if the drought is severe, they will die. In dry conditions, they can burrow deep into the soil to 1 metre, tie themselves in a knot, secrete a coating of mucous about themselves which dries and helps prevent water loss. They usually live in the soil's top few centimetres, but will burrow deeper to find essential moisture if the earth dries out or freezes. Worms are vital in maintaining soil structure and fertility as they aerate the soil, improve drainage and bring nutrients to the surface. Earthworm burrows during the day—typically keeping close to the surface capable of digging down as deep as 6.5 feet. The worm's first segment contains its mouth. As they burrow, they consume soil, extracting nutrients from decomposing organic matter like leaves and roots.

All earthworm species need moist soil conditions to survive. Water makes up more than 75% of the earthworm's body weight, so moist soils are preferred to prevent dehydration. Earthworms acclimate quickly by moving to humid sites or by entering a resting state. Earthworms absorb and lose moisture through their skin. If soils are dry, earthworms may move to deeper soil layers, die, or revert to a hibernation condition called diapause. Worms can live for 4 weeks without fresh food. They can survive in dry soils but they are not active. However if the drought is severe, they will die. In dry conditions, they can burrow deep into the soil to 1 metre, tie themselves in a knot, secrete a coating of mucous about themselves which dries and helps prevent water loss. Water makes up more than 75% of the earthworm's body weight, so moist soils are preferred to prevent dehydration. Earthworms acclimate quickly by moving to humid sites or by entering a resting state. Earthworms burrow during the day typically keeping close to the surface capable of digging down as deep as 6.5 feet. The worm's first segment contains its mouth. As they burrow, they consume soil, extracting nutrients from decomposing organic matter like leaves and roots.