DNR Warns Minnesotans Of 'Destructive' Jumping Worms

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning the state's gardeners and anglers to be on the lookout for invasive jumping worms. These "destructive" worms can quickly degrade soils and damage garden plants and lawns, officials caution.

"Jumping worms are a relatively new invasive species in Minnesota and they are a threat to gardens and forests," said Laura Van Riper, DNR terrestrial invasive species coordinator, in a news release.

"They make rich soil more like coffee grounds. They eat plant roots, damaging garden plants and sod."

Jumping worms are a type of earthworm that looks similar to other common earthworms such as nightcrawlers. They are called “jumping worms” because they wiggle intensely when disturbed and sometimes appear to be jumping.

Native to Asia, jumping worms have been confirmed in limited areas of Minnesota since 2006, mainly in the Twin Cities and western suburbs and in Rochester.

It’s believed that they were spread throughout North America by people moving potted plants, soil, compost, mulch and fishing bait.

Jumping worms cannot be legally introduced into the environment in Minnesota and are also a poor choice for bait because they break into segments when handled.

"The good news is, jumping worms are not well established in Minnesota and there are actions people can take to prevent their spread. We need gardeners and anglers to be vigilant and to contact the DNR when they think they’ve found jumping worms," Van Riper added.

Other steps that help:

• Don’t buy worms advertised as jumping worms, “snake worms,” “Alabama jumpers” or “crazy worms” for any purpose.
• Anglers should dispose of any unwanted bait worms in the trash.
• Gardeners should inspect incoming mulch or plants for jumping worms and if swapping plants with friends, wash off the soil and share the plants as bare root plants.
• Recreationists should brush the mud off their boots and equipment.