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Seeking help to identify worms. #856061

Asked December 04, 2023, 1:41 PM EST

What kind of worms are these and how do I get rid of them? 

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Kim,
I am not an expert on identifying worm species, but can tell you that the worms in that indoor space are earthworms that are introduced from Europe (Family: Lumbricidae), and are not Asian jumping worms (Amynthas spp., Family: Megascolecidae). 
I suspect the worms are typically in your soil outdoors, but evacuated the soil water-logged by recent heavy rains. Worms will often come to the surface during heavy rains, because they have a hard time getting enough oxygen when soil becomes too saturated by water.
Here is a link with more information on that....

https://news.wisc.edu/curiosities-after-rains-why-do-worms-crawl-out-onto-the-pavement-and-commit-suicide/

I don't think these worms will be an on-going problem for you but if you could seal up the areas at ground level around that indoor space, it should help prevent worms from getting in in the future. Meanwhile you can gather up any worms that you find indoors and put them back outdoors or dispose of them.

Hope that helps!
Bill Gerth Replied December 12, 2023, 12:56 PM EST

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