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asian earthworms #930728

Asked May 05, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT

Hello! We are moving to Holland MI from Indiana in June and I am considering transplanting some of our perennials from Indiana to Holland but am concerned about Asian earthworms (I think I have the right name). We have them in Indiana and if Holland does not have them, I don't want to be the one to introduce them! My understanding is that they are an invasive species and deplete the soil of humus. The worms look gray in color and when exposed by my digging to the surface of the soil, they writhe around quickly, almost like jumping and wriggling at the same time. I hope this makes sense. If I am wrong about any of their description, please let me know. I would love to be wrong about them! Thank you for considering this question. -marlene

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

Marlene,

Thank you your assistance in not transporting invasive jumping worms into Michigan. We know that they are now found in several areas in Michigan, but we are trying to educate the public to slow their spread. Moving plants are one of the main ways that they are expected to have entered the state.

I do not know whether there are restrictions on moving any of your plants across state lines. You would need to reach out to MDARD for information on any restrictions: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard

One way to significantly reduce risk when moving the plants is to fully wash off the soil from the roots, then inspect the roots for and remove any tiny worm cocoons (which are about the size of a poppy seed). If the plants are going in the ground very soon, you could try transporting them bareroot, with some kind of clean, moist material around the roots to keep them from drying out. It may be less stressful on them since they are not dormant to pot up the plants in clean potting mix or similar medium for transport, making sure to keep the potted plants away from any place where worms could get into the pots. 

For more information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/invasive-jumping-worms-background-identification-and-control

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied May 05, 2026, 6:08 PM EDT

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