Jumping worms - UGH - Ask Extension
Masses of jumping worms (both big and small) found in my COMPOST bin that I have proudly and carefully cared for, for year. SOB, SOB, SOB. Must hav...
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Jumping worms - UGH #850790
Asked September 21, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT
Masses of jumping worms (both big and small) found in my COMPOST bin that I have proudly and carefully cared for, for year. SOB, SOB, SOB. Must have come in with bulk mulch purchased this spring. Also, in flower beds. Right now, I am removing (UGH) by hand and drowning. I have a few gardens, and one is right next to the woods. Guess I will have them forever. Almost have a heart attack every time I pick one up. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks for listening.
Caledonia County Vermont
Expert Response
Hello Joanne,
I'm sad to hear of your situation, it certainly is a disappointment and a challenge for you. The first thing that you can do is try to isolate the infestation as best you can and not move soil from place to place on your property. A couple facts that you should know about this pest's life cycle - first all of the worms that are alive in your gardens and compost will die with the first frost. Second, they have left a multitude of egg casings behind that will survive the winter and will hatch as the soil warms next April. These egg casings would be impossible to see in the soil since they are about the size of a mustard seed. You did not say how large the area is where they are alive and active. While removing eggs is impossible and impractical it wouldn't hurt for you to skim off a top layer of soil, bag it and dispose of it in the trash going to the landfill. The new crop of worms will hatch in the top 1-4 inches of soil. Following (or attached) are a couple of articles to broaden your knowledge of this unfortunate situation.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-jumping-worms
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/Resources/JumpingWormHomeOwnerGuideUVMEMG.pdf
Please do not hesitate to ask more questions on this if you have need.
I'm sad to hear of your situation, it certainly is a disappointment and a challenge for you. The first thing that you can do is try to isolate the infestation as best you can and not move soil from place to place on your property. A couple facts that you should know about this pest's life cycle - first all of the worms that are alive in your gardens and compost will die with the first frost. Second, they have left a multitude of egg casings behind that will survive the winter and will hatch as the soil warms next April. These egg casings would be impossible to see in the soil since they are about the size of a mustard seed. You did not say how large the area is where they are alive and active. While removing eggs is impossible and impractical it wouldn't hurt for you to skim off a top layer of soil, bag it and dispose of it in the trash going to the landfill. The new crop of worms will hatch in the top 1-4 inches of soil. Following (or attached) are a couple of articles to broaden your knowledge of this unfortunate situation.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-jumping-worms
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/Resources/JumpingWormHomeOwnerGuideUVMEMG.pdf
Please do not hesitate to ask more questions on this if you have need.
