Invasive ‘Jumping Worms’ Spreading Through Multiple US States
An invasive species of worm is making its way through the Midwest. The “jumping worms” are about four to eight inches long and move quickly like a snake. They also…
An invasive species of worm is making its way through the Midwest.
The "jumping worms" are about four to eight inches long and move quickly like a snake. They also squirm heavily when handled and shed their tales when feared in danger.
One of the states that have confirmed sightings is Kansas. As of right now, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is not putting any restrictions to stop the spread of the "jumping worms."
"Keep gardening as you are, and when you see some issues, there's some great online resources, but unfortunately the science is currently lagging in terms of what do we do once we get them," Taro Eldrege, the Kansas Department of Agriculture's state entomologist said.
Eldrege stated that they will be keeping a close eye on what other states with higher number of worms do.
The worms originated from Asia and were first found in the United States in 2013 by the University of Wisconsin. They were thought to have come over as fish bait.
The jumping worms can be found in the higher levels of mulch, leaves, and soil. They are replacing centipedes, earth worms, and other animals as well as damaging plant roots and changing the water-holding ability in soil. According to KSNT, these worms are a hazard to gardens, forests and agriculture.
To date, the insects have been seen in Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, the University of Illinois's Horticulture Educator, shared what to do to help reduce the amount of "jumping worms."
The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging anyone who finds the "jumping worms" to kill them.
Here's what to do:
- Thoroughly clean tools, shoes, and vehicles when moving from one site to another.
- Only purchase compost, mulch, or other organic matter that has been heated to appropriate temperatures and duration to reduce the spread of pathogens, insects, and weeds. Jumping worm egg casings do not survive temperatures over 104 degrees F.
- Remove adult jumping worms. Place adults in a plastic bag and leave in the sun at least 10 minutes. Dispose of the bag in the trash.
- Remove soil from all plants before transporting them
- Wash roots by completely submerging plant roots in water and washing away remaining soil. Water is enough to remove soil and other materials from the roots.
- Buy bare-root plants when possible.
- Do not buy jumping worms for bait, vermicomposting or gardens.
- Follow Plant Sharing Best Practices
