Jumping Worms
Another invasive species!? Unfortunately, yes. These “crazy worms” are spreading in the midwest. You’ll recognize them because they physically jump and wriggle, and our gardens will suffer damage once invaded.
Still frame image from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources video
In the Purdue Landscape Report we learn that, “…unlike most other earthworms which prefer lower layers of soil, jumping worms prefer the top layer where organic material needed for plant growth is concentrated. They quickly eat the organic matter in the topsoil which makes it difficult for plants to grow and other soil animals to survive.” So, another tell-tale sign of their presence is a change in the quality of your soils.
“Coffee ground” soil is a sign of jumping worm infestation. Photo credit: Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
In December, 2022, an MCMGA member attended a presentation by Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator in the Department of Entomology at Purdue University. We are sharing the educational resources from that presentation here. Learn what you can do to identify and deal with Amytha agretis or Asian Jumping Worm.
Watch the Video
“Asian Jumping Worms,” online presentation, December 2022, by Purdue Entomolgist Robert Bruner
