#jumpingworms

The following best management practices are recommended to help prevent the introduction and spread of jumping worms to new areas: Educate yourself and others about jumping worms, including their impacts and means of spread, and to recognize jumping worms and the telltale signs of their presence including granular soil that resembles coffee grounds. The University of Minnesota Jumping Worm Project website is a good place to start; updated regularly, it includes self-guided jumping worm training and weekly Zoom-based training sessions. Be vigilant and always on the lookout for jumping worms and signs of their presence. Only buy horticultural commodities from reputable suppliers that are knowledgeable about the jumping worm threat and the potential pathways for their introduction and spread. Only use, sell, plant, purchase, and trade landscape plants and landscape and garden materials that appear to be free of jumping worms; in the case of jumping worms, appearances can be deceiving so err on the side of caution as newly hatched jumping worms (hatchlings) can be difficult to see in early spring and cocoons are always difficult to detect. Only sell, purchase, and trade compost, woodchips, and woodchip mulch that has been heat treated to at least 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) for a minimum of three days (based on initial research specific to jumping worms) or even better to at least 55° Celsius (130° Fahrenheit) for a minimum of three days following the recommended processes for further reducing pathogens (PFRPs; 40 CFR Appendix B to Part 503 – Pathogen Treatment Processes) to kill jumping worms and other horticultural pests. Certified compost, mulch, and manufactured soils will have been exposed to temperatures and other processes that should kill jumping worms during production. Although it is understood that these types of treatments are difficult for larger volumes, similar precautions are also recommended for soil, growing media, and growing media components that might harbor jumping worms as feasible and appropriate. When feasible, exposure to higher temperatures up to 82° Celsius (180° Fahrenheit) for a shorter duration (e.g., 30 minutes) may also be an option depending on the material being treated, the facilities available, and the pests of concern. Whenever possible, certified commodities are the safer choice and nursery and landscape professionals should choose the best course of action relative to jumping worms based on their individual circumstances. Whenever possible, store bagged compost, bagged organic soil conditioners, bagged mulch, and landscape plants in a manner that avoids contact with the ground to help prevent infestation. Raised benches and elevated storge platforms for bagged compost, mulch, and soil are a good idea. Arrive clean, leave clean; always clean soil and debris from vehicles, equipment, tools, and personal gear (footwear, gloves, clothing) before moving from one location or property to another. Do not sell, buy, or use jumping worms, or earthworms from sources that may be contaminated with jumping worms, for composting (vermiculture/vermicomposting), soil improvement, or fishing bait. Report suspected jumping worm infestations using EDDMapS Midwest (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System Midwest) or Arrest the Pest (Minnesota Department of Agriculture). A map of the current distribution of jumping worms in the United States (including Minnesota) is available on the EDDMapS website. Remove and destroy any jumping worms that are found by placing them in a sealed polyethylene bag and placing them in the trash. Immature and adult jumping worms may also be killed by placing them in a container of rubbing alcohol or solarizing or freezing them in a polyethylene bag before disposing of them in the trash.