[Summit] jumping worms

[Ellen Santaniello]

Hi neighbors,

As you take a break from swatting the spotted lanternfly moths that are now
everywhere (tip -- unlike the nymphs, the adult moths seem to only jump
forward so approach towards the head) I wanted to make sure everyone knew
about another invasive species that now seems to be everywhere.

https://pvdeye.org/the-worms-you-dont-want-to-see-in-your-garden/

I've noticed these worms in my yard for years. I think it was after a
delivery of wood chip mulch. I was actually happy because I thought I had
unusually vigorous and healthy earthworms (they thrash around wildly). They
had a type of banding I had never noticed before, but it didn't occur to me
that this was weird. I've also simultaneously been watching my trees,
vegetables, and other plants languishing more and more despite lots of
compost and all the right things. I assumed I was a shitty gardener.

These worms look very much like earthworms, but don't behave like them.
They thrash, they have a white/grey band near the head, and a visible
mouth. They consume organic matter at an alarming rate, deplete the soil of
nutrients and topsoil, ruin the soil structure so it ends up a dry crumble
no matter how much water it gets. Compost and other organic matter just
feeds them. If you know anything about soil, you will please take this
seriously and do what you can to both eradicate those you might have and
not spread them.

The article above has links to other resources.

Ellen, Mayflower St


-- 
Ellen Santaniello
401-316-3226
esantaniello at gmail.com
www.ellensantaniello.com
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