Buzz
As plant swaps and compost exchanges become more popular, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against invasive jumping worms. These pests rapidly deplete soil nutrients, posing a threat to local plants, unlike beneficial earthworms that enrich the soil. Fortunately, a straightforward method can help prevent their spread.
Identifying jumping worms
Jumping worms exhibit hyperactive movements, thrashing and slithering like snakes, in contrast to the slower, more deliberate motion of native earthworms. They also feature a distinctive light-colored band near their heads. If you encounter these worms in purchased soil or plants from stores or swaps, take immediate action to treat the soil before using it in your garden.
When moving soil from one location to another, it’s crucial to inspect for jumping worms. If you’re uncertain about contamination, solarize the soil before adding it to your garden. While some store-bought garden soil may already be treated, free compost or soil giveaways often aren’t, so always verify.
Solarizing your soil: A step-by-step guide
Before introducing new soil to your garden, solarize it by spreading it on black plastic at a depth of no more than six inches. Cover the soil with plastic and leave it in direct sunlight for an afternoon. While spreading, check for jumping worms, as their cocoons might still be viable. The goal is to heat the soil to at least 105°F using solar energy. For bagged soil or compost, place the bags in a black plastic trash bag under the sun for similar results. Use a soil thermometer to ensure the soil reaches the required temperature.
Once soil is in the ground, solarization becomes ineffective, as worms can escape to cooler areas. While the top six inches may warm up, the deeper soil remains at a stable temperature. Eliminating invasive worms after soil is mixed into the garden is challenging, making pre-treatment essential.
The spread-and-pick technique
Another effective technique is the spread-and-pick method, which involves spreading soil on a tarp or plastic and manually removing jumping worms. Once identified, place the worms in a plastic trash bag and dispose of them in the garbage, not the compost. While birds may assist, they aren’t selective about worm types, and some cocoons may remain. For optimal results, heat treatment is the most reliable solution.
To curb the spread of jumping worms during plant swaps, consider exchanging bare-root plants without potting soil. These can be transported in sterile potting mix, effectively preventing worms from tagging along.
