Recently, another invasive species has been grabbing attention in the United States thanks to how much it damages the natural environments there. Officially known as jumping worms, they are causing lots of ecological issues and spreading very fast.
This article seeks to guide you through the identification, effects and what you can do to deal with jumping worms.
Jumping worms are another name for Asian jumping worms, crazy worms or snake worms and all these names refer to the genus Amynthas. Most earthworms stay in place, but jumping worms can move fast and in a snake-like way if touched. They are usually the color of brown or gray and can reach up to 8 inches in size. The worms stay close to the surface and eat the upper part of the soil which causes the dirt to feel and look like ground coffee and damage plant growth.
The first steps and spread of Renaissance Renaissance throughout the United States
It is thought that jumping worms were relocated to North America in contaminated soil, in potted plants or included in compost. In the early 20th century, they were first found in the United States mainly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The worms spread fast as each one can produce cocoons and the cocoons hatch into fresh worms.
Seeing the Signs of Jumping Worms
To detect jumping worms, you should look for some certain signs. The easiest to spot is that the soil changes to a loose, granular form which looks a lot like coffee grounds. Nutrient loss can cause plants to seem unhealthy or smaller than they should be. Another sign is how fast and excitedly the introduced worms move; this is different to the steady movement of native earthworms.
The Way Jumping Worms Affect the Environment
Jumping worms can have a big negative effect on ecosystems by changing the soil structure and the amount of available nutrients. They deplete the soil’s organic matter which makes the land erode and its fertility drop. Because of this, the native species of plants have difficulty surviving in the changed soil ecosystem. The influence of soil disruption also reaches other organisms, including helpful microbes and insects, possibly resulting in many ecological problems.
Actions and Solutions to Prevent Spread and Control Diseases
Taking action and being careful help stop the spread of jumping worms. Weeds, soil and flowers should be checked for jumping worms by gardeners and landscapers before using them. Don’t move plants or soil that has pests to healthy areas around your home. Taking care of your gardening tools and equipment by cleaning them can stop spread without your noticing. Since biological control is still being examined, nowadays, people use hand removal and various soil management approaches to lessen their numbers.
What You Should Do If You Find Jumping Worms
If you believe you have pests, quick and informed actions can prevent more of them from coming and limit their effects. You can use these ways to control and manage jumping worms:
1. Look for evidence of Jumping Worms.
Notice the characteristic movements: Jumping worms are more active than regular earthworms, browse the ground in a wriggling pattern and toss themselves when startled.
Look for their unique clitellum (band) which circles the front part of their body and is smooth and light in color.
Look out for changes in the soil, like particles that appear like coffee grounds which indicates earthworms consume all the organic parts.
2. Get rid of the Worms by following the waste disposal protocols.
Pick out all nearby jumping worms by hand and put them into a plastic bag.
Discard the bag in the trash; avoid setting them free somewhere, because this contributes to their spread. Freezing the bag overnight is a way to eliminate the worms.
Detection Method: One way to detect worms in the soil is to mix one gallon of water with a third cup of mustard powder, apply this to a little soil area and watch for any worms. Because of this annoyance, the worms come out of their nest.
3. Share your finding with others when you notice an infestation.
Always inform your local agricultural extension office, your state’s natural resources body or an environmental group to help monitor the jumping worms.
Monitoring programs might exist in certain regions which means sharing your location can help to better control the spread.
4. Adjust the way you look after your house and outside space.
Don’t distort soil with digging or tilling, because the cocoons can wander around in the affected area.
Adding a thick layer of mulch, wood chips or leaves actually discourages jumping worms.
Cover any soil or compost you move with black plastic and set it in the sun to raise the temperature above 104°F (40°C) which will kill the worm cocoons.
5. Do Not Share the Worms With Anyone by Inadvertence
Look for worms and cocoons among your bought mulch, compost or plants before placing them in the garden.
After you finish gardening in areas infested with moths, clean your tools, boots and equipment to stop spreading the cocoons.
Always be careful with giving plants or soil to neighbors—give them a good wash and examine the roots first.
6. Work with those making a difference in the community.
Take part in both local invasive species workshops and management programs.
Inform the people who live around you and other gardeners about jumping worms and how to stop them.
Advise people to use safe gardening methods that help stop the invasive plants from spreading.
Summation and Prompt to Act
Jumping worms are causing significant problems for the ecosystems of many places in the United States. Being aware of their features, significance and way they spread allows people to deal with them more effectively. It matters for people in affected regions to cooperate by sharing details and resources to control the spread of this invasive species. Watching out for jumping worms and acting to prevent them can help us save our natural areas.