JUMPING or CRAZY SNAKE WORMS

In case you missed this news last fall...

Source: Wisconsin DNR

There's a new problem loose in the neighborhood.   Sometimes called "crazy snake worms," "Alabama jumpers, " or  "Asian worms," there are actually at least three species of these critters: Amynthas agrestis (the  most often cited culprit), Amynthas tokioensis, and Metaphire hilgendorfi. They all look very much alike. They can grow longer than 8  inches and become very activated when disturbed. Not much is known about them, and there are no effective  control solutions at the present time.

Why are they a problem?

Home gardeners generally like to see earthworms in their vegetable gardens because they aerate the soil, turn it over, and add  compost. But worms are not good for the forest environment. Nearly all earthworms in the Northeast today are non-native. Both the familiar European varieties and these new Asian invasives  alter  forest soil structure and chemistry by consuming the critical layer of organic matter that supplies vital nutrients needed by native plants like wild flowers and other seedlings as well as also providing food, protection and habitat for native wildlife. The difference is that "crazy worms" out compete their European cousins and do their damage faster than forest soils can recover from their damage.

In areas of heavy infestation of "crazy worms," native plants, soil invertebrates, salamanders, birds and other animals may decline. The worms can also severely damage roots of plants in nurseries, gardens, forests and turf (grasses) making it easier for  invasive plant species to get established.  The eggs of jumping worms are very small and able endure cold winter temperatures. Although just reported last year in Rensselaer County, jumping worms are already widespread across much of the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest. 

Source: Finger Lakes-PRISM

Note  that  the  Clitellum is located near 

the head, milky in color, and of the same 

diameter  as the  worm's body.  

Source: Wisconsin DNR

What you can do.

You can help to minimize the risk  of spreading jumping worms by following the these steps:

• Do NOT buy or use jumping worms for bait, vermicomposting or gardening.
  
  
• Only sell, purchase or trade compost that was heated to appropriate temperatures and duration following protocols for reducing pathogens.
  
  
• Clean compost, soil and debris from vehicles, personal gear, equipment, and gardening tools before moving to and from sites.
  
  
• Check your property for earthworms using a mustard pour (it won’t harm your plants!) Mix a gallon of water with 1/3 cup of ground yellow mustard seed and pour slowly into the soil. This will drive any worms to the surface. If you have jumping worms, report it and avoid moving plants or soil from your yard.
  
  
• Be careful when sharing and moving plants. Always check for worms and know where your plantings come from. [Don't be afraid to ask about jumping worms at nurseries or big box stores.] Buy bare root stock when possible.
  
  
• Dispose of all live worms in the trash or place them in a bag and leave out in the sun for at least 10 minutes. Then throw bag away 

If you see jumping worms, please report your sightings to New York iMapInvasives

Note: Portions of this text have been adapted from Cornell University's Cooperative Extension's Invasive Species Factsheet on Jumping Worms