Hello, this week I have identified a small number of jumping worms in one of my garden beds. I have reported them to the DNR, been put on the map of locations found, and completed the worm ranger online module on the extension website. Today I tested several areas using the mustard method to collect worms to see if I could get a better sense of population. I really have only found 8-10 adult worms. The smallest ones collected today are not identifiable due to their size. I seem to be at the beginning of an infestation as I’ve been careful, and have been watching for these worms every year since learning about them. My question is, since I seem to have a small amount of worms, what steps can I take now to keep them from becoming a huge problem? I had planned to spread mulch, which I am now going to skip, should I try spreading the coconut mulch? I read that can be a deterrent. Are there any other steps I can take to limit the numbers now this year before they spread? I’ve used alfalfa pellets in my gardens before as mulch/fertilizer-would it be worth purchasing bags of them and spreading as that was also listed as a deterrent. The garden I’ve found them in is a dryer space under two large silver maples. I have a mix of hosta, lungwort and a few other items in that space. It is pretty shady so I don’t think applying plastic over the soil to heat it would work well. Not other spaces showed evidence of the worms. I did talk to the neighbor on that side as my garden is against their fence and I know they have hosta on the other side… if they do nothing to limit numbers am I going to be fighting a losing battle? He said he was aware of such a worm, and thinks he may have found one as well, but had convinced himself he was wrong. I suspect he did find one. Thanks for connecting me with someone who can provide direct advice. I have read all the info online, I’m just looking for someone else with experience who can advise me. Thanks.