Jumping Worms

• 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.

For other disposal options, refer to our AtoZ Recycling & Disposal Guide or call 651-633-EASY (3279).

• 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.