OSU Extension – Jumping Worm
There are invasive worms to keep an eye out in your garden.
(1) the “jumping worm” (because of its unique movements) and
(2) the “hammer head worm” which has a “hammer like” head.
Both easily spread from infested gardens, plants and pots! If you find them, dispose of them in the garbage, or kill them by immersing them in vinegar or freeze them then dispose in the garbage.
(1) Jumping Worm –
“Digging, dividing and sharing plants with friends? Now is the time of year you may be spreading the invasive and very much unwanted pest jumping worm (Amynthas species), or inadvertently introducing it into your own garden via gifts from fellow gardeners. Jumping worms have a negative impact on soil structure and once you have them, there are no pesticides available to treat them. Learn more about how to identify jumping worm, how to prevent passing them along, and what to do if you do find jumping worms in your garden.”
Learn more about how to detect and destroy them from Oregon State University (OSU) Extension.
OSU ARTICLE LINK: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/stopping-spread-jumping-worms-calls-vigilance
(2) Hammerhead Worm –
Hammer Head Worm (NBC)
[UPDATE March 2, 2026] A local gardener in the Battle Ground, Washington area has found some hammerhead worms in their garden. If you find these in your garden, killing them is advised.
One way of dispatching them is to wear plastic gloves and put them inside a zip lock plastic bag and then into your freezer. Another is to drop them into a jar of vinegar. Handling them bare-handed is not advised, as some people’s skin reacts negatively to them. Probably not good to give to fowls, as they can regenerate from cut up pieces.
We will attempt to get hold of the extension office and Master Gardeners with more advice and updates.
CHANNEL 4 NBC LINK: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/hammerhead-worms-what-to-do-if-you-see-these-invasive-pests/3393634/
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For a helpful “side by side” video comparison between our “native” earthworms and the more invasive “jumping worm” to help you know what you are seeing, check out this link by “Jack of all Clades” on youtube.com.
[Image: Jack of all Clades on youtube.com]
JACK of all CLADES VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MceqYpkBYvk
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