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What are the small worms that climb my house and porch after a rain #718503

Asked August 28, 2020, 11:24 AM EDT

After a heavy rain, hundreds of small worms climb the brick wall On the north side of our house and onto our front porch. Mine is the only house in our neighborhood so effected. We mulch annually, so lots of organic matter available. We have not seen my earth worms during or after heavy rains, only small (10 to 1.5 inches long) thin worms.

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

would you be able to attach a couple photos to this message by chance? That would really help our experts respond effectively. Let me know if that's not possible.

Thanks!
Terri

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After the heavy rains this morning, I hosed and swept off the little invaders. However, I did find two subject worms on my front porch with a ruler for size reference. One is very small and not representative of the size we normally observe, but the other is. However, it is a bit shrunken.

The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2020, 2:48 PM EDT

Hello,

Thank you for the picture, but it comes out quite blurry on my screen. Positive ID needs a clear picture of the tiny details. Or you can submit 6 or so specimens in good condition to MSU for identification. Here are the instructions:

“To preserve and protect fragile specimens, it’s always best to submit insects in a small leak proof vial filled with rubbing alcohol or vinegar (the postal service prefers you send them in vinegar). Place the vial in a small zip-lock baggie, then in a small box or mailing tube and mail to

Diagnostic Services

578 Wilson Rd.

East Lansing MI 48824-6469

Be sure to include a note with your contact information including your email address.”

You can download one of our submittal forms here:

https://pestid.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MSU-DS-Form-012-001-version-2.0.pdf

Michigan has several species of earth worms, some quite small. From what I can see these might be baby night crawlers, or one of the small species of earth worms, escaping waterlogged soil so they don’t drown. Compare what you see to pictures here-

http://nrri.umn.edu/WORMS/identification/ecology_groups.html

If you can get a clear picture attached here I might be able to tell you more.

Using an insecticide with the active ingredient carbaryl according to the label will reduce earth worm populations, as well as other insects, near the building. Please read and follow all directions and precautions on any products used.

Thank you for your question! Laura S. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 28, 2020, 3:41 PM EDT

My first thought was that these worms were baby earth worms, but have noticed that whether they be small or larger, they do not does not appear to have a clitellum. I will try to get a better picture the next time that this occurs; unfortunately, I had washed them off of the house prior to contacting MSU Extension Service. Thanks!

The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2020, 10:34 AM EDT

OK , you might try “flooding “ a small area next to the house and see what comes up within 10 minutes or so. This is how some entomologists or farmers inspect the soil for what insects are present.
Consider collecting some in a jar with vi egar or rubbing alchohol, too, should you need to send them to MSU lab.

What are the small worms that climb my house and porch after a rain #718503

Expert Response

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