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Worms #868466

Asked May 14, 2024, 8:23 PM EDT

I have multiple 2-3inch fat (size of a camel non-filter cigarette). Bunch of worms in my flower bed. The soil is beginning to look like clots around the edges and moving into the garden proper. My husband said they sound Ike grubs. They are tan colored and they surface at night. Lots of holes in my garden. I'm beginning to see the same dirt clots in the garden on the other side of the house. Landscapers said all worms are good. I don't know. Cots aren't good. Please help. Pamela Morrow<personal data hidden>.

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

May be crazy worm? All on surface at night. I just read it may be that species, amynthas arrests. HELP!

The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 8:45 PM EDT
Hi Pamela: 
It is correct that worms are good; however, not all grubs are good (but some are).
Please send us several close-up pictures so that we can attempt to identify, as well as nearby picture of any plants growing there.  also tell us specifically what areas of the flower beds are impacted: perhaps dig a spot or two in the lawn to see if they are they are there as well
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 16, 2024, 1:33 PM EDT
I think I can explain better. I have found evidence of these worms in my other gardens. They look tan colored about the size of a cigarette.  They live toward the surface.  They leave behind LOTS of little clots in the gardens, especially the outer parts. I have to water daily. At night, a lot of them, 2 dozen.or so, come to the surface and are very active.  I went on line to see what they might be. They are not common earthworms. They are too 
Quick and thick. They are like what I read about. Asian jumping worms. The article said I should notify state. State said I should notify you guys. I hope I'm wrong. 

On Tue, May 14, 2024, 6:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Dear Pamela,

Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online.

YOUR QUESTION #0138387:

Worms

I have multiple 2-3inch fat (size of a camel non-filter cigarette). Bunch of worms in my flower bed. The soil is beginning to look like clots around the edges and moving into the garden proper. My husband said they sound Ike grubs. They are tan colored and they surface at night. Lots of holes in my garden. I'm beginning to see the same dirt clots in the garden on the other side of the house. Landscapers said all worms are good. I don't know. Cots aren't good. Please help. Pamela Morrow<personal data hidden>.

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The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2024, 4:15 PM EDT
It is highly unlikely that what you are seeing are Asian Jumping Worms in the genus Amynthas which currently are  not in Colorado. They have been found in nearby states though so to assure yourself that you don't have them, you could put some of yours in a small jar and bring the sample to the Denver County Extension Office for identification. The Denver office is located at 888 E. Iliff Avenue. Call first to make sure the horticulture agent is available<personal data hidden>).

It is much more likely that you are seeing grubs, cutworms or some other species of earthworm. Earthworms drag soil to the surface and they also have "castings" which is their excrement glued together and might be what you are calling clots. Here is an article from CSU Extension that has good information about earthworms that you might enjoy reading:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/218.pdf
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 23, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

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