What are these small worms in my garden? - Ask Extension
I've seen very small worms in my garden throughout the year. Just yesterday, on Nov 8 I was watering some plants under mulch when I saw a lot of wigg...
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What are these small worms in my garden? #854932
Asked November 08, 2023, 10:35 AM EST
I've seen very small worms in my garden throughout the year. Just yesterday, on Nov 8 I was watering some plants under mulch when I saw a lot of wiggling. So I took a very small scoop of dirt, maybe 1/2 cup, and spread it out on a white sheet of paper. At first I saw nothing. Then I sorted through the dirt and found a few of these slender wiggly worms. But as I sat there, I would see another movement and pulled another worm. It was a little concerning when after 10 minutes I pulled about 30 worms out. Whatever these are, I have a lot in my garden Can you help me identify them? The pink square is about 2inches square
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Kevin,
I can't see much detail on the worms in your photos, but I suspect they are just young earthworms. If you are still concerned, you could send some live specimens to us at the OSU Plant Clinic and we could look at them up close to verify what they are.
If you'd like to submit a sample, here are instructions for how to do that...
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
I can't see much detail on the worms in your photos, but I suspect they are just young earthworms. If you are still concerned, you could send some live specimens to us at the OSU Plant Clinic and we could look at them up close to verify what they are.
If you'd like to submit a sample, here are instructions for how to do that...
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
We covered our garden with mulch, and yesterday, Feb 24, I took a peek under the mulch. The top of the soil was moist and loaded with small worms. I'd like to get you a sample. Should I try to send a live sample or a preserved one. It would be easy for me to to mail a small soil sample loaded with worms.
Hi Kevin,
Live worms are easier to ID than preserved ones, because worms like these contract and lose coloration if they are preserved. Just send them in some kind of crush-proof container.
Live worms are easier to ID than preserved ones, because worms like these contract and lose coloration if they are preserved. Just send them in some kind of crush-proof container.
Bill
I sent in a sample Mar 1, Has it been looked at? Here is the USPS tracking number
Click-N-Ship Payment Details
Acct #: 331899910
Transaction Number: 600376849
Transaction Date/Time: 02/28/2024 07:03 PM CST
Transaction Amount: $10.40
Payment Method: VISA-5687
Priority Mail
Small Flat Rate Box
9405 5036 9930 0665 0559 56 (Sequence Number 1 of 1)
Kevin Thurston
Acct #: 331899910
Transaction Number: 600376849
Transaction Date/Time: 02/28/2024 07:03 PM CST
Transaction Amount: $10.40
Payment Method: VISA-5687
Priority Mail
Small Flat Rate Box
9405 5036 9930 0665 0559 56 (Sequence Number 1 of 1)
| Scheduled Delivery Date: 03/01/2024 | |
| Shipped to: | OSU BOTANY ATTN: PLANT CLINIC 2701 SW CAMPUS WAY CORVALLIS OR 97331-8646 |
|---|---|
<personal data hidden>
Hi Kevin,
Sorry for the delay. Your sample is here, but I've had a fair number of samples lately, so I haven't gotten to yours yet. I'll check it out in the next day or two
Sorry for the delay. Your sample is here, but I've had a fair number of samples lately, so I haven't gotten to yours yet. I'll check it out in the next day or two
Ok, thanks for the update.
