Move over spotted lanternflies, New Jersey has a new invasive species that’s taking over backyards—and this one moves like a snake, thrashes violently when disturbed, and can launch itself off the ground.
Meet the jumping worm.
Also known as “Jersey wrigglers,” “Alabama jumpers,” or “crazy snake worms,” these invasive creatures have been confirmed in at least 12 New Jersey counties—including Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union—according to NJ.com. New Jersey is one of at least 38 states with confirmed sightings.
Heebie jeebies aside, jumping worms pose a real threat to lawns and especially gardens. They feed aggressively on the top layer of leaf litter—the same layer that forms the foundation of healthy forest soil and supports plant growth. Homeowners have reported lawn die-offs attributed to the worms.
Research done by the Forest Service says that worms can actually reengineer ecosystems—completely altering gardens and soil health in the process.
How to Spot Them
Jumping worms look different from common earthworms—they’re grayish rather than pink or red, with a distinctive whitish band near their head. Their tails don’t flatten as they move, and they thrash aggressively when touched.
Imagine the common earthworm, but more frightening. That’s what we’re dealing with.
What to Do
There are currently no pesticides approved for jumping worm control, so prevention is the best approach. Experts recommend:
- Checking potted plants before bringing them home and washing soil from the roots
- Solarizing bulk mulch before use by covering it in black plastic to kill worms and eggs with heat
- Avoiding moving leaves or soil from infested areas
- Keeping lawns mowed, as shorter grass can act as a barrier to their spread
- Sealing any found worms in a plastic bag, freezing them, then disposing of them in the trash
For more information regarding the invasive jumping worm, check USDA Forest Service’s site.
New Jersey’s list of unwanted guests keeps growing—and this one’s already in your backyard.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.