Good Morning, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Yes, you are correct in being wary of the local compost site. Please review the following information. 

Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: 

https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms#plant-sale-recommendations-to-reduce-jumping-worm-spread-1883165

Also:https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms#:~:text=What%20temperatures%20kill%20jumping%20worms,%C2%B0C)%20for%20three%20days.

The information states:

Can I send my leaves and plant matter to the local yard waste site?

Call your local yard waste site and ask if they follow the “process for further reducing pathogens” in their composting method. This process makes sure that compost reaches high temperatures (131°F or above) and involves turning compost piles on a schedule. If the facility is following that process they will likely be able to kill jumping worms and their eggs. Following this process also kills weed seeds.

I would be very careful of the local compost site. There are local commercial compost sites that do heat their compost to the above temperature to kill the worms and their eggs. The eggs look like poppy seeds and the worms are not readily visible until around July when they hatch. 

I would recommend ONLY buying compost from a site that ensures they have heated their compost to the appropriate level and the compost is stored on a hard surface. 

Good Luck!



Good Morning Nora, 

Sorry I misunderstood. But wood chips would be similar. Be wary where they come from and where they have been stored. 

Good Luck!