Asian jumping worms, known for their ability to leap a foot in the air, have spread to 38 states across the United States, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, Georgia, and California. These invasive worms, which can grow up to six inches long and are often red, brown, or metallic-looking, pose a significant threat to ecosystems by depleting soil nutrients and destroying soil structure.
The worms were first introduced to the Northeast in the late 1800s through imported potting soil, mulch, and compost. They have since spread rapidly, threatening woodlands and natural areas by consuming organic matter and causing soil erosion. The worms' "coffee ground" casts further degrade the soil's ability to retain water, air, and nutrients, impacting native plant species and soil organisms.
According to the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center, the best way to manage jumping worms is through prevention, as there are no effective eradication methods. Measures include inspecting mulch and compost, avoiding the use of jumping worms as bait, and cleaning boots and tools after use. Soil solarization, which involves using black plastic to increase soil temperature, can help manage jumping worms by killing their cocoons.
Ecologist Brad Herrick from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum has been studying jumping worms for over a decade. He notes that while the worms are a significant concern, they have been present for over a century without causing catastrophic collapse, suggesting that the threat is serious but manageable.
Gardeners are advised to report sightings of jumping worms using platforms like EDDMaps to help monitor their spread. If jumping worms are found in gardens, experts recommend drowning them in vinegar or sealing them in a plastic bag and leaving it in the sun before disposal.