Knowledgebase
asian earthworms #930728
Asked May 05, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT
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