Hammerhead worms have been spotted slithering around our area, and experts suggest that if you see one, you should kill it. The invasive species can erode local ecosystems by feasting on earthworms, slugs, and snails. Climate change is expanding their domain, so they could become a lot more common around here. You’re most likely to see them under foliage in the garden or a wooded area, but they can also show up in places like sidewalks after rainfall. The icky creatures are known for secreting a neurotoxin that can make pets ill, so don’t let your bug-hungry dog get too curious. They can also cause a rash on human skin.
So what do you do if one slithers your way? Definitely don’t chop it in half—the severed body can (yikes!) regenerate to make new worms. Instead, experts say you should dump salt or vinegar on it, then wear gloves to grab the dead worm, put it in a bag, and throw it in the garbage.
If You See This Worm, Kill It!
Invasive hammerheads are in our area.
Hammerhead worms have been spotted slithering around our area, and experts suggest that if you see one, you should kill it. The invasive species can erode local ecosystems by feasting on earthworms, slugs, and snails. Climate change is expanding their domain, so they could become a lot more common around here. You’re most likely to see them under foliage in the garden or a wooded area, but they can also show up in places like sidewalks after rainfall. The icky creatures are known for secreting a neurotoxin that can make pets ill, so don’t let your bug-hungry dog get too curious. They can also cause a rash on human skin.
So what do you do if one slithers your way? Definitely don’t chop it in half—the severed body can (yikes!) regenerate to make new worms. Instead, experts say you should dump salt or vinegar on it, then wear gloves to grab the dead worm, put it in a bag, and throw it in the garbage.
This article appears in the September 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
The Missing Men of Mount Pleasant
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
Muriel Bowser Defends Her BLM Plaza Decision and Looks Back on a Decade as Mayor
Yet Another Anti-Trump Statue Has Shown Up on the National Mall
8 Takeaways From Usha Vance’s Interview With Meghan McCain
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
Biting, Stinging, Red Imported Fire Ants Are Closing In on the DC Area
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
More from News & Politics
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This July
The Washington Nationals Just Fired the Manager and GM Who Led Them to a Championship. Why Has the Team Been so Bad Since?
FBI Building Now on Track to Leave DC After All, Whistleblower Leaks Texts Suggesting Justice Department Planned to Blow Off Federal Court Orders, and NPS Cuts Leave Assateague Island Without Lifeguards
Families of DC Air Disaster Victims Criticize Army’s Response, Trump Settles His Scores Via Tariff, and Police Dog Kicked at Dulles Returns to Work
This DC-Area Lawyer Wants More Americans Betting on Elections
Trump Threatens DC Takeover, Says He’d Run the City “So Good”; Supreme Court OKs Mass Federal Worker Layoffs; and You Should Go Pick Some Sunflowers
Trump Pledges Support for RFK Stadium Plan, Ben’s Chili Bowl Will Strand Us Half-Smokeless for Months, and Pediatricians Are Suing RFK Jr.
Muriel Bowser Defends Her BLM Plaza Decision and Looks Back on a Decade as Mayor