Minnesota
Jumping worms in Minnesota: How to stop the spread
The invasive leaping worm. (College of Minnesota)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The College of Minnesota is asking for the general public’s assist in stopping the unfold of the “extremely invasive” leaping worm.
The U says with summer season on the best way and extra individuals entering into actions like gardening and fishing, now could be the time to be sure to are checking what worms you’re utilizing.
“Leaping worms are earthworms that look and act slightly completely different than the European earthworms we have now grown up with. These worms dwell within the high six inches of soil and are voracious eaters of natural supplies,” mentioned College of Minnesota Duluth professor Ryan Hueffmeier. “Via their feeding and burrowing behaviors, they flip the topsoil into free granular soil that may be simply eroded and doesn’t assist flora nicely.
“Due to their capability to clone themselves, only one leaping worm can begin a inhabitants, which makes them a tough species to handle,” Hueffmeier added.
Everybody is inspired to examine worms used for bait or to ensure worms utilized in gardening compost should not leaping worms.
“Leaping worms transfer much less like a worm and extra like a snake. They forcefully thrash round when disturbed. They’ve setae, or tiny hairs, that cowl every phase completely, not like European earthworms which have solely eight setae round every phase,” Hueffmeier mentioned. “Leaping worms can shed their tail when disturbed and the severed tail will hold wiggling because the worms transfer away from hazard.
“In case you are having bother figuring out the species based mostly on look alone, check out your soil, which is able to look noticeably completely different if invasive leaping worms are current. The best way these worms transfer their our bodies in soil makes it a espresso floor texture that washes away simply,” Hueffmeier continued.
Hueffmeier says leaping worms have been present in southern Minnesota, by the metro, and as much as St. Cloud.
Right here is the Minnesota DNR’s web site devoted to leaping worms.