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I think I have Asian jumping worms #860042

Asked February 27, 2024, 8:05 PM EST

I'm pretty sure I have jumping worms ruining my soil. Can someone come and look and let me know for sure? Thank you.

Lake County Ohio

Expert Response


The Asian jumping worm has a prominent band around the body of the worm, called the clitellum, where cocoons are produced. The band completely encircles the body, is milky white to light gray, and is flush with the body; the body looks metallic. I could not see enough of the worm in your pictures to identify it.

Following is a link to Cornell Ext that provides info and pictures:
https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/warren-county-master-gardener-articles/invasive-asian-jumping-earthworms
Following is a link to OSU Ext which also provide info and pictures to help you identify the worm:
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1679

I don't know if the OSU County Extension office in Lake County has the staff to come out to your location or to identify a better photo or a sample if you send it to them. Here is the link to their site: https://lake.osu.edu/. You can contact them to see what services they can provide.

If they are not staffed to help, you can send a worm or two to the OSU Plant & Pest Diagnostic lab. Following is a link: https://ppdc.osu.edu/submit-sample/insects-and-arthropods/softbodied. A copy of the Insect/Arthropod ID Request Form is attached. A completed form must accompany the sample.
Pat - MGV Cuyahoga County Replied February 28, 2024, 9:23 AM EST

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