Springtime brings with it so much beauty – from the blossoming flowers to warmer temperatures – but it also means the return of some unpleasant guests, like this destructive and invasive species of worm in Missouri. If you’re a gardener, you may have already heard of, or even have seen, the hammerhead worm. Even if you haven’t seen it, you’ll want to know what to do in case you run across this terribly destructive creature.
You shouldn’t have too much difficulty identifying a hammerhead worm when you see one. It stretches more than a quarter of an inch long, and its head looks like a hammer.
Wikipedia/SREEJITH VISWANATHAN
The good news is hammerhead worms aren’t directly harmful to humans or animals. However, they are particularly dangerous to native earthworms which will likely, in turn, damage the health of the soil.
Wikipedia/PvilleSteve
Hammerhead worms originated in Southeast Asia and, over time, have made their way to the United States and are most prominently found in the southern states. They’ve made their way to Missouri, too, likely on potted plants from greenhouses.
Wikipedia/PvilleSteve
Today, Missourians report seeing hammerhead worms in their lawns and gardens. If you see one, you must take immediate action. Unfortunately, killing a hammerhead worm isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
Flickr/Dinesh Valke
Hammerheads come out to eat at night, but you may see them in the morning hours, too. Like with other worms, they’re also plentiful after a rainfall.
Flickr/Budak
Don’t try to cut the hammerhead worm in half to kill it. If you do, it will just regenerate and create new hammerheads.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
Your best bet is to pour salt and vinegar on it to kill it. To ensure the hammerhead doesn’t get away, grab it and put it in a plastic bag or container with salt and vinegar.
Flickr/Dubravko Soric
However, whatever you do, do NOT touch the hammerhead with your bare hands; use gloves or a napkin to pick it up, and dispose of it in a container or plastic bag instead. If you do touch it, make sure you wash your hands with soap and hot water.
Flickr/Susy Morris
Put the container or plastic bag in the freezer for at least 48 hours, so there is sufficient time for the worms to dissolve. After that time, throw the plastic bag or the container away.
Flickr/Sue Thompson
Have you seen this destructive, invasive species of worm in Missouri yet? Let us know in the comments! While we probably aren’t looking forward to seeing the hammerhead worm, we still have some amazing visitors returning – the ruby-throated hummingbirds will return to Missouri, for example.
Wikipedia/SREEJITH VISWANATHAN
Wikipedia/PvilleSteve
Flickr/Dinesh Valke
Flickr/Budak
Flickr/Mike Mozart
Flickr/Dubravko Soric
Flickr/Susy Morris
Flickr/Sue Thompson
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