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Jumping Worms
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Jumping worms look similar to earthworms, yet wiggle intensely when disturbed.
Jumping worms are invasive and destructive worms that can quickly degrade soils, kill garden plants and damage lawns. They look similar to nightcrawlers and other earthworms except that they wiggle intensely when disturbed and can appear to be jumping. If your soil appears granular like coffee grounds, you likely have jumping worms.
How to tell the difference between jumping worms and other worms
Jumping worms are an emerging issue in our area. Ramsey County is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop the best precautions for our yard waste sites.
Due to the threat of jumping worms, we no longer accept dirt or sod at our yard waste sites. Refer to our A to Z Green Guide for other disposal options, or call 651-633-EASY (3279).
Common sources
- Soil, potted landscape plants and sod.
- Worms purchased for fishing bait.
- Worms bought online for vermi-composting (composting indoors with worms).
- Worms bought online for use in backyard compost bins.
- Wood mulches from areas that have jumping worms.
Jumping worms are unlikely to be found in Ramsey County’s finished compost. The worms and their eggs cannot survive the high temperatures (140-170 °F) when creating the finished compost.
They can, however, be spread by moving dirt or sod. For this reason, Ramsey County yard waste sites no longer accept dirt or sod. And other plant materials are not available for residents to take home from our yard waste sites.
Refer to our A to Z Green Guide for other disposal options, or call 651-633-EASY (3279).
Prevent the spread
- Don’t buy jumping worms for any purpose.
- If you fish, dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Inspect mulch and potted plants.
- If you share plants with friends and neighbors, wash off the soil and share them as bare root plants.
- Brush mud off your boots and equipment.
If you find jumping worms, place them in a sealed container and dispose of them in the trash.