Invasive jumping worms are spreading in the US, and they can't be eradicated

As gardening season gets into full swing, agriculture experts are warning of an invasive "crazy worm" that’s spreading across the U.S. and posing "a significant ecological and economic threat."

Asian jumping worms have been present in some parts of the country for more than a century, but the threat is growing as they move west. Asian jumping worms cannot be eradicated. Here’s what to know: 

What are Asian jumping worms? 

Big picture view:

According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Asian jumping worms are red-to-brown colored and can grow up to 6 inches in length. They’re also known as "crazy worms," "snake worms" and "Georgia jumpers." They first arrived in the U.S. from Asia in the late 1800s, most likely from imported plants and agricultural products. 

"Their name comes from their behavior: When disturbed, they thrash, spring into the air and even shed their tails to escape," the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources explained. 

The distinct difference between Asian jumping worms and native earthworms is a prominent, milky white to light gray band around their bodies. 

Why are Asian jumping worms bad? 

Why you should care:

Many native earthworms add nutrients to the soil and help it aerate, but Asian jumping worms do the opposite: they live on the surface of the soil, "rapidly consuming organic matter and leaf litter, which strips the soil of the critical layer needed to support native plants, wildflowers, and forest ecosystems," the Colorado Department of Agriculture said.

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"The jumping worm poses a significant ecological and economic threat."

Where are Asian jumping worms found? 

Local perspective:

Asian jumping worms are already established in states across the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest, but they’ve been spreading in recent years, more recently appearing on the west coast and in Canada. 

Colorado confirmed their presence for the first time in October. 

According to EDD Maps, an online mapping system for tracking invasive species, Asian jumping worms have been reported in 38 states.

Signs of Asian jumping worm infestation

Dig deeper:

The biggest sign of an Asian jumping worm infestation is "coffee grounds" soil, or a uniform, granular texture on the surface that’s actually their feces.

How to prevent Asian jumping worms

What you can do:

Because the worms can’t be eradicated, agriculture experts say prevention is key: 

• Avoid moving soil, compost or potted plants from your yard if you suspect an infestation.
• Always carefully inspect all potted plants and soil before moving, sharing or bringing them into your garden.
• Purchase bare-root stock when possible.
• When purchasing bulk mulch or compost, make sure it’s been heat-treated to at least 130°F for three days by a "reputable producer" to kill the cocoons, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said.