Invasive, toxic worms are back in Texas due to recent rains, summerlike warmth
Experts say the Bipalium species secrete chemicals through their skin and can become toxic to mammals. Citrus oil and vinegar can be used to kill the annelids.
'It does not belong here': Invasive, toxic worms return to Texas
Director of Research and Education for the Texas Invasive Species Institute Ashley Morgan-Olvera on the threats hammerhead flatworms pose.
DALLAS – The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms.
The hammerhead flatworm is thought to have entered the country in the early 1900s in landscaping materials, but since then, the population has exploded in areas with a warm, wet climate.
Invasive, toxic worm species thrives in warm, wet climate of Texas
The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms. Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Research Director at the Texas Invasive Species Institute, joined FOX Weather to talk more about this worm species.
Experts say the flatworms can grow up to a foot long or more and are known for their distinctive hammerhead-shaped heads.
"They live where earthworms live, so with the heavy rains, they tend to get flushed out," said Ashley Morgan-Olvera, the research director at the Texas Invasive Species Institute.
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Image 1 of 4The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms. (Texas Invasive Species Institute)
![Hammerhead flatworm]()
Image 2 of 4The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms. (Texas Invasive Species Institute )
![Hammerhead flatworm]()
Image 3 of 4The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms. (Texas Invasive Species Institute )
![Hammerhead flatworm]()
Image 4 of 4The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some worms. (Texas Invasive Species Institute)
The institute said once it usually receives a report of the worms leaving their underground ecosystems from the winter season, it usually means they’ve been out in an area for a while and either have just not been reported or seen by humans.
Hammerhead flatworm spotted in Texas
The Texas Invasive Species Institute says it is receiving reports of sightings of an invasive species of flatworms that are not only toxic to some animals but are predators to some other worms.
Complete eradication can be difficult as very few methods lead to the insects’ demise, and even when you think they might be dead, rejuvenation can lead to the population multiplying.
"We encourage everyone to eradicate in their own area, but to completely say that they are removed from an entire county, it is going to be hard because once they’re there," said Morgan-Olvera. "So, if you cut them up into three pieces, it’ll become three new flatworms. So that’s why we want you to make sure that when you remove them, it’s in a closed container, to make sure they can’t leave and populate."
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In addition to physical removal, both citrus oil and vinegar have proven to be effective in killing the annelids.
Experts believe the hammerhead flatworms are significant predators of the common earthworm and can lead to a substantial population demise if not kept in check.
The disappearance of earthworms can lead to a lack of nutrients in the soil and increased erosion due to unhealthier vegetation and poorer ground compositions.
The institute is working with a host of other organizations to spread raise awareness about the threat posed by invasive species. To report a sighting, visit: http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/edrr/reporting.html.