As you tend to your garden during the warm summer months, it’s important to be aware of a peculiar and unwelcome visitor: the invasive jumping worm. These worms, also known as Alabama jumpers, Jersey wriggles, wood eels, crazy worms, snake worms, and crazy snake worms, gained their name because of their unique behavior. They have the ability to thrash around and even propel themselves a foot off the ground. They are believed to have arrived in the United States from eastern Asia in the early to mid-1900s and can be transported through mulch or potted plants.
These invasive jumping worms have spread across the country, infiltrating Connecticut and over 30 other states. Their presence is more prevalent in the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada with climates similar to their native habitat in Japan. Recently, reports suggest that they may have been discovered in Wisconsin. A local resident alerted the Door County Invasive Species Team about a possible infestation at Sturgeon Bay’s compost site. The city is taking the report seriously and treating the area as if it is infested until proven otherwise.
Invasive jumping worms primarily reside in the top inch or two of soil, particularly in debris, leaves, yards, gardens, mulch, compost, and potted plants. During the summer, they feed on organic matter and begin reproducing without the need for mates. However, their presence has negative consequences for the ecosystem. They consume organic matter and leave behind waste that alters the texture and composition of the soil, resembling hard pellets. This transformed soil lacks the necessary structure and support for native plants to thrive. Additionally, these worms accumulate toxic metals like mercury, cadmium, copper, and lead, which can adversely affect birds that feed on them.
In appearance, invasive jumping worms have a smooth, glossy dark gray/brown color with a cloudy-white to gray-colored band known as the clitellum. They move in a snake-like manner, often in large numbers, and exhibit erratic behavior when disturbed, such as thrashing, springing into the air, and even shedding their tails to escape.
At present, there are no official methods to control or prevent the spread of jumping worms. However, education is key to recognizing these invasive species. It is also important to clean soil and debris when transferring them between areas, and to only purchase plants and gardening materials that have been inspected and deemed jumping worm-free. If jumping worms are discovered, they should be removed and destroyed by sealing them in a bag and throwing them in the trash. Research has shown that the worms and their cocoons cannot survive temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three days, making compost piles or the application of clear plastic on garden topsoil exposed to sunlight effective methods of control.
So, while tending to your garden, keep an eye out for these invasive jumping worms and be proactive in preventing their spread. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can help protect your garden and the surrounding ecosystem from these troublesome creatures.
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