Creepy, slithering flatworms that secrete a lethal toxin similar to what is found in puffer fish are invading northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., according to Michael J. Raupp, a professor of entomology and extension specialist.
Adam Downing, an Extension Agent for Albemarle County and Charlottesville, said after consulting with colleagues, they are unsure exactly where these are showing up in Virginia. However, he said, both hammerhead worms and jumping worms are in Virginia – and are fairly widespread across the state.
He said at this time, “there is not a regulatory situation whereby we are asking the public to report either the hammerhead worms or the jumping worm.”
However, he said, local extension offices “may” be interested to know, especially if damage is being noticed.
Hammerhead worms
The invasive hammerhead worms are nearly indestructible as they regenerate when cut in half – and individual parts slither away to regrow missing body parts. The best way to kill the worms is with salt, citrus oil or vinegar, according to experts.
The flatworms immobilize victims with a coating of sticky slime, according to Raupp, and plunge it into the prey of earthworms and slugs. Earthworms are an essential part of farming and agriculture, according to the USDA.
“These rascals from Asia are largely unseen in the lawn but clearly visible as they glide in slow motion across a driveway on a cool dewy morning,” said Raupp in his blog.
Pets or animals that consume the hammerhead worms may experience discomfort and illness. People who handle the worm have reported skin irritation.
“Hammerhead worms are predatory, and there is a neurotoxin identified in one genus, but I remind people to wash their hands if they handle these land flatworms and certainly don’t lick them.”
There is not fact sheet on the hammerhead worm at this time. However, Downing pointed AFP to a post from NC State that he said is very informative.
Jumping worms
Jumping worms are also being reported in Virginia, Downing said.
“There is worry that the jumping worms will denude the forest floor of leaf litter and organic debris, but this might not be as much of an issue farther south where earthworms were not eliminated by the glaciers,” Downing said.
Jumping worms feed on leaf litter and mulch. They remove this organic layer and drastically change the soil structure underneath. Gardeners may find that flower beds with jumping worms have poorer soil and less productivity than they had in previous years.
If you find jumping worms on your property, remove and dispose of them as much as possible whenever found.
Proper disposal methods for jumping worms, according to the fact sheet linked below, include placing the worms in a plastic bag and leaving it in the direct sun for at least 10 minutes before disposing the bag in the trash, or drowning the worms in a container of soapy water deep enough that they cannot climb out of it. Make certain all worms are thoroughly dead before dumping the water and worms out.
For more information on jumping worms, a fact sheet is available.
Reporting the worms
You may take a picture and report your worm sighting to INaturaist or your local Extension office.
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Crystal Graham
