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Invasive 'Jumping Worm' Now in 38 States With No Way to Stop Them
Officials say the invasive worms are now reported in 38 states and cannot be eradicated, making prevention the main defense.
- As gardening season begins, agriculture experts warn of invasive 'crazy worms' spreading across the country, with EDD Maps reporting them in 38 states and posing 'a significant ecological and economic threat.'
- Native to Asia, these invasive worms arrived in the late 1800s from imported plants and now consume organic matter and leaf litter, which the Colorado Department of Agriculture said strips soil of critical layers needed for native plants.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources explained, 'Their name comes from their behavior: When disturbed, they thrash, spring into the air and even shed their tails to escape,' while infestations leave 'coffee grounds' soil.
- Because these worms cannot be eradicated, the Colorado Department of Agriculture advises prevention: avoid moving soil, compost, or potted plants, and always carefully inspect all materials before bringing them into a garden.
- When purchasing bulk mulch or compost, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said to ensure it has been heat-treated to at least 130°F for three days by a 'reputable producer' to kill the cocoons.
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'Crazy worms' that can jump a foot in the air are spreading rapidly across the US
Agriculture officials are warning people to keep their eyes peeled for "crazy worms" jumping their way across the country. The Colorado Department of Agriculture recently issued an Invasive Pest Alert for Asian jumping worms, asking residents to be on the lookout for the highly invasive worm that is also known as the "crazy worm" or "snake worm." While the CDA just confirmed the presence of the destructive worm in Colorado last fall, it has be…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 21%
C 67%
12%
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