Recently, another invasive species has been grabbing attention in the United States thanks to how much it damages the natural environments there. These creepy crawlies are called jumping worms and they damage the environment and are spreading at an alarming pace.
This article gives you a full breakdown of jumping worms such as how to find them, how they affect the environment and what you can do to keep them from spreading.
They are also called Asian jumping worms, crazy worms or snake worms and all belong to the genus Amynthas. If something bothers a jumping worm, it uses strong, wiggly movements like a snake. They are usually the color of brown or gray and can reach up to 8 inches in size. Because they live on the soil’s surface and eat the top layer, these worms leave soil that appears as coffee grinds which harms plant health.
How Aislesbys got to the United States
It is thought that jumping worms originally came from East Asia and were distributed to North America by contaminated soil, potted plants or compost. First found in the United States in the early 1900s, they have since reached a number of states, focusing on the Midwest and Northeast. Parasites are able to multiply very fast since they can reproduce asexually, making every adult worm capable of providing more cocoons.
Realizing the Indications of Jumping Worms
The presence of jumping worms can be diagnosed by spotting particular signs. It becomes easy to notice by the texture of the soil which becomes loose and grainy, much like coffee grounds. Nutrient depletion may also cause plants to seem less healthy or smaller than usual. Looking at the worms is important, too; spotted lanternfly worms are very active and twitchy, unlike the common earthworms which do not move quickly.
What We Learn About Nature by Fighting Jumping Worms
Soil and nutrient changes led by jumping worms can heavily damage the vitality of ecosystems. Stripping soil of organic material during meals, they make the soil erode and become less fertile. It is difficult for native plants to survive when the soil is altered. Moreover, upsetting the soil ecosystem disrupts the activity of beneficial microorganisms and insects which brings about a series of changes in the environment.
Ways to Prevent Outbreaks and Keep Them Under Control
Taking action and being careful help stop the spread of jumping worms. Before putting soil, mulch or compost into their garden, gardeners and landscapers should check it carefully for jumping worms. Try not to take soil or plants from places with pests to other areas. Also, cleaning your gardening tools and equipment will stop dirt from spreading accidentally. They are being researched for better methods, while now, their numbers are decreased by hand removal and correct crop cultivation.
What to Do If You See Jumping Worms
If you believe you have pests, quick and informed actions can prevent more of them from coming and limit their effects. You can use these ways to control and manage jumping worms:
- Make sure there are jumping worms in the area.
Notice if the worm is most active and twists and thrashes when you handle it.
Notice that Millipedes have a smooth, light clitellum (band) on their body just behind the head.
Examine the appearance of the soil and watch out for signs such as a coffee-ground look which suggests the worms have quickly consumed organic matter.
2.Remove the Worms and Properly Throw Them Out
Take any jumping worms you can see and put them in an enclosed plastic bag.
Throw the sealed bag directly in the trash instead of releasing them; doing so might contribute to their spread. A good way to destroy the worms is to freeze the bag for 24 hours.
Detection Method: One way to detect worms in the soil is to mix one gallon of water with a third cup of mustard powder, apply this to a little soil area and watch for any worms. It makes the worms angry and they begin climbing out.
3.Alert the exterminator about the infestation.
Let agricultural extension offices, state natural resources departments or environmental organizations know if you find jumping worms in your area.
Certain areas may be watching animals carefully and asking where you last saw them will be useful for their management plans.
4.Adapt the ways you garden and landscape.
Don’t distort soil with digging or tilling, because the cocoons can wander around in the affected area.
Apply a thick cover of mulch, wood chips or leaves to discourage jumping worms.
Consider leaving a layer of black plastic over moist soil exposed to the sun as a way to raise its temperature to more than 104°F (40°C), killing any cocoons that might be in the soil.
5.Be Careful Not to Help the Worms Spread
Look through mulch, compost or planted pots before adding them to your garden.
After completing work in areas where cocoons are, clean everything you used—your tools, boots and gardening gear—so you do not carry the cocoons away accidentally.
Always be careful with giving plants or soil to neighbors—give them a good wash and examine the roots first.
6.Help Out with Projects Organized by Communities
Be part of community workshops and management initiatives for invasive species.
Inform other gardeners and explain how to avoid jumping worms.
Push for methods in landscaping and gardening that can slow the movement of this invasive plant.
Final Conclusion and an Urgent Plea
Jumping worms are becoming a serious danger to the natural balance of many parts of the United States. With an understanding of their traits, effects and spread, people can make a difference by addressing them. To fight against this invasive species, people in communities should join forces and use whatever resources each has. If we only remain vigilant and take action, we help our environments resist the influence of jumping worms.
