Illinois gardeners on alert for invasive jumping worms

CHICAGO – It seems like one thing out of a horror film, and it’ll in all probability give some gardeners nightmares, however an invasive species of ravenous leaping worms is slithering their approach throughout Illinois.

The worms that are native to East Asia, are a shiny grey or brown with a white band, and the U.S. Division of Agriculture says they thrash round and may leap one foot into the air.

Sure, you learn that proper, they leap one foot within the air!!!

These slimy pests additionally devour vitamins from the soil, leaving it unable to maintain bushes or vegetation, and in line with some scientists may slowly destroy complete forests.

There’s additionally gentle concern the invasive species will find yourself in vegetation bought in nurseries which can then go into house gardens and native parks.

Illinois is considered one of 34 states with leaping worms and, in line with the College of Illinois, they’ve already been detected in 40 Illinois counties, together with Prepare dinner, DuPage, Kane, McHenry, and Will.

When you spot considered one of these creatures, you’re urged to take a photograph and submit it to your native College of Illinois Extension workplace.

Leaping worms’ tails separate from their our bodies when caught, so specialists say one of the simplest ways to eliminate the them is to seal them in a plastic bag after which toss it into the trash.