If worms are great for the soil then what should l do about jumping worms? There are soil treatments for controlling jumping worms but do I want to disturb regular earthworms?
In all honesty I had never heard of jumping worms until I read your post. Some cursory reading on the University of Wisconsin site indicates these worms exist in the top layers of soil and on top of soil. It was mentioned that you could just pick them up when you see them and place them in a zippered plastic bag, where they will soon die. I didn’t see any effective chemical treatment suggested. Hope you don’t have too many of these!
1 Like
I think I would contact my local extension office. Jumping worms are a real threat.
3 Likes
Hi Chris. Jumping worms are a real problem. I have a powerpoint from a few years ago created by the County Extension office a few years ago. I will send to you. This might be a good topic for an update at a local rose society meeting in 2025!
Invasive Asian jumping worms are earthworms that are devastating forest floors, and even ornamental garden beds at an alarming rate. These are not the harmless night crawlers that hang out deep in the soil, and move slowly when picked up. These worms will twist and turn when picked up. The invasion started in fishing areas in the Great Lakes area, where fishermen would dump their bait on the shores after finished fishing. They multiplied quickly and spread. They are now sold everywhere as bait and the uninformed are ecstatic when they see these critters in their mulch or garden beds. They are voracious eaters, going through forest duff and garden beds, pulling out all soil nutrients so quickly that healthy soil microbes and macrobes (including insects and night crawlers) starve. As they digest, the soil is turned into rubble that will not support tree and plant roots, Trees are known to topple over. Sadly there doesn’t seem to be a reliable way to rid them bc they multiply so quickly but keep trying! Solarizing affected areas seems to help but many prob just wiggle away. Don’t purchase bulk mulch without inspecting first (bring a shovel to overturn it). If you see even one, walk away.
1 Like