Invasive hammerhead worm is back in Virginia

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Recently spotted in the Washington D.C. area and throughout Virginia, experts said this is not the first time they’ve seen this invasive pest.

“The hammerhead worms are from Asia,” said Theresa Dellinger, an entomologist at Virginia Tech. “We do have some native species of flatworms in the united states but the ones we are talking about today, they are from Asia.”

Dellinger said it’s best to look — don’t touch.

“Two of the species known in the U.S. have been shown in the lab to have a neurotoxin in their mucus,” said Dellinger. “Hammerhead worms, they can’t bite, they can’t sting, but it’s a toxin that’s present on their bodies.”

The head resembles a hammerhead shark, and the worm also has a stripe down it. Some can even grow to a foot long.

“Most species will be maybe a couple of inches long, there is one species that can be up to a foot long,” said Dellinger.

She said they have been hiding in plain sight for decades.

“These worms have actually been in the united states for quite some time,” said Dellinger. “I’ve seen reports going back to the 1940s.”

As far as preventative measures go, Dellinger suggested in a previous statement that it’s best to deal with the worms as they are found.

“Don’t spread salt or pesticides on the ground preventatively to kill hammerhead worms. It will harm vegetation and beneficial organisms,” her statement read, in part.

The worms are often found in gardens and flower beds, and while they can be toxic, Dellinger said they are not a major concern.

“The possibility is there,” said Dellinger. “Particularly if you might be very sensitive, but it is not something I would worry about on a daily basis.”

Experts do recommend keeping an eye on pets and young children.

“I think you ought to take precautions for pets and maybe toddlers that don’t know to not pick up something and put it in their mouth,” said Dellinger.

If you do happen to find a hammerhead worm in your backyard, experts said to:

1. Wear gloves when handling it.

2. Do not cut up the worm, the worms can regenerate their bodies.

3. Place the worm in a container.

4. And kill the worm using, soap, salt, or hand sanitizer.

You do not have to report sightings of hammerhead worms to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.