Knowledgebase
Jumping Worms #868708
Asked May 16, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
Orange County Vermont
Expert Response
Hello Anne,
Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline.
Sorry to hear you've discovered these pesky invaders in your garden. Unfortunately, there are no proven, researched-based tools for controlling jumping worms. There are no pesticides approved for worm control in yards and gardens. Researchers are looking into options, but there are no recommended control measures at this time beyond hand removal (mechanical controls) and disposal in the trash.
I've linked a few other resources below to better understand jumping worms, their impact and how home gardeners might cope with their presence – both physically and emotionally.
If you have other questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Resources:
https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/invasion-jumping-worms
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms#controlling-jumping-worms-1883163
https://extension.psu.edu/adapting-to-invasive-jumping-worms
Alex has provided you with some great resources on jumping worm management, etc. I also wanted to provide you with the following new factsheet that was recently published by UVM researchers - https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/Resources/JWBMPfactsheet.pdf