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Jumping worms and mulch #754986
Asked June 09, 2021, 9:47 AM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thanks for the question.
Unfortunately there is no good answer to it, however. There is still much that is yet unknown regarding the threat posed by jumping worms and especially their eggs in mulch. Just storing mulch on a cement floor is no guarantee that it will kill any worms and/or eggs if present. Look for mulch that has undergone a heat treatment. Normally this means a temperature of at least 100 degrees or higher for a minimum of 30 minutes. Some gardeners have achieved this by putting mulch under clear plastic and leaving it on a driveway or walkway in direct sunlight. Be sure to inspect your mulch for the presence of any worms. The following will give you further information on these and related points:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2020/08/31/beware-jumping-worms-soil-gardening-mulch
https://northerngardener.org/update-on-jumping-worms-in-minnesota/
https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/02/ask-extension-how-to-get-rid-of-asian.html
Good Luck
Glad to have been of assistance.