Thank you for contacting the University of Vermont Master Gardner Helpline with your question about jumping (aka snake) worms.

There are some resources found on the UVM Master Gardner site under “Gardening Resources” in the “invasives” section that you might find helpful:

• Cornell Jumping Worm Poster: https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/JWORM_Homeowner_Guide_-_Jumping_Worms-Accessible_Version_2021-2.pdf
• A PowerPoint presentation by the UVM snake worm expert: https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Master-Gardener/Josef_Intro_to_Snake_Worms.pdf
• On the UVM Resources Site is an article entitled “Plant Sale Guidelines to Minimize the Change of Jumping Worm Spread” which is useful if you want to try to share or bring plants onto your property.

The University of Minnesota Extension has a good resource that helps us identify multiple types of worms: Minnesota Extension – Earthworms article: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/earthworm

To answer your question about managing the worms, unfortunately, no viable control methods have yet been identified. However, we can work to limit the spread of these worms. Even if you have jumping worms in one part of your property, it doesn't mean they are everywhere. We recommend the following steps:

• Minimize movement of horticultural materials, such as soil, leaf litter, compost and mulch.

• Inspect all nursery species before planting for the presence of worms or signs, such as their characteristic castings (described as gravel-like or like loose coffee grounds).

• Buy local and talk to your garden center reps about the jumping worm risk - see what they are doing to minimize exposure.

• Propagate via seeds and stem cuttings whenever possible (rather than plant division or root cuttings)

• If you buy potted plants or get them from a plant exchange, you should remove them from the pot, knock the soil off into the trash and wash the roots to eliminate any egg cocoons.

• Since the worms live near the soil surface, egg cocoons can also be transported via ATV wheels, logging and gardening equipment, and boot treads. You should brush off boots or shoes and wash gardening tools if you have been in an area that might be affected by these jumping worms.

• Eliminate fishing bait refuse

It is a good idea to collect and destroy jumping worms when you see them. You can seal them in a plastic bag and "solarize" them by leaving them in the sun and then dispose the bag in the trash. By reducing the adult population, it will help to reduce the number of egg-carrying cocoons in the soil.

To dispose of garden waste (weeds, pulled grass clumps, surface moss, etc.) without spreading worms or cocoons further, a commercial composting facility that uses “hot composting” is your best bet. Green

Mountain Compost in Chittenden County accepts infected garden waste (not soil). At this facility, compost piles must reach over 131 degrees F for 3 consecutive days and often reach much higher temperatures. They believe that the current research shows that the egg cocoons perish after

3 days at 100 degrees.

Thank you for your efforts to help slow the spread of invasive jumping worms while work is underway to find an effective management solution. I hope this information is helpful.

Please feel free to reach out to the helpline if you have any questions.

Laura, UVM Master Gardner Helpline Volunteer