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Understanding and Managing Jumping Worms in Your Garden

Jumping worms, notorious for their distinctive movement and impact on soil health, often find their way to gardens through mulch and wood chips. According to expert Patricia Dobson, these worms have a particular affinity for these materials. When purchasing mulch or wood chips, especially in spring, it is challenging to identify if they carry worm cocoons, as these can be as small as a poppy seed. Unfortunately, as landscape expert Nouri-Aiin points out, the spread of these invasive worms from nurseries is almost unavoidable at this stage.

One effective method to eliminate jumping worms is to solarize the mulch or wood chips. Nouri-Aiin conducted a study that demonstrated exposing compost or mulch to temperatures of 104°F (40°C) for a duration of two hours can eradicate various life stages of these worms. For thoroughness, she recommends extending this duration to three hours to ensure complete heat penetration. Moreover, to achieve optimal results, it’s essential to keep the mulch insulated from the soil, as the ground can lower temperatures at the base of the pile. Using a layer of cardboard under the mulch, topped with plastic sheeting, can effectively create the necessary heat.

If you’re acquiring plants from nurseries or plant fairs, it’s wise to inspect the soil closely when removing the plant from its pot. Look for the characteristic castings of jumping worms, particularly on the surface. Where possible, choose bare-root plants to minimize risk.

Managing Existing Infestations

For those already dealing with jumping worms, it’s crucial to avoid pesticides, as no suitable chemical treatments exist for these pests. While some gardeners have had success by diligently handpicking worms over several seasons, Dobson notes that this approach lacks formal research validation. She personally does not remove worms from her garden, while Nouri-Aiin adheres to a more hands-on strategy.

There’s a common misconception regarding the use of mustard to deter jumping worms. Dobson clarifies that this technique stems from its scientific application in estimating earthworm populations. Scientists use a diluted mustard mixture to draw worms to the surface for counting, but applying this to an entire garden would require an impractically large amount.

Will Infestations Persist?

Understanding the life cycle of jumping worms can offer some reassurance to gardeners. These worms live for only one year, and Nouri-Aiin indicates that having a significant population in one year does not guarantee a similar proliferation the next year. Often, gardeners may see a considerable decline in worm numbers after a peak year, as conditions and reproduction rates fluctuate.

Preventing Further Spread

Jumping worms typically do not disperse far on their own. However, gardeners often contribute to their spread by disposing of yard waste in nearby forests, inadvertently introducing the worms into new environments. Nouri-Aiin emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean garden to prevent such occurrences. Additionally, never share infested plants, as this can exacerbate the issue.

If you find your garden heavily infested, you can assist scientific research by reporting the situation. Dobson recommends utilizing platforms like iNaturalist’s Seek app or imapinvasives to document your findings. Nouri-Aiin is also spearheading a research initiative in Vermont this summer that encourages community involvement. Interested individuals can sign up here for participation.

Through awareness and proactive measures, gardeners can better manage the challenges posed by jumping worms while aiding in the broader understanding of this invasive species.

Source
www.gardenista.com