Hammerhead Worms Are Now In Ontario

The past few years have been full of creepy crawlies. First it was murder hornets, then spongy moth caterpillars, and most recently, mass amounts of cicadas. While many people would probably appreciate a break from the bugs, there's now a new threat we need to be worried about ... hammerhead worms!

Hammerhead Worms Are Headed This Way

The unwelcome arrival of hammerhead worms in Ontario has inched its way closer. While technically not an insect, these invasive invertebrates, have been spotted slithering through Kitchener, Hamilton, and Newmarket.

Chances are it won't be long until these toxic worms wiggle their way to Simcoe County.

Why Hammerhead Worms Are A Problem

Originally from Southeast Asia, lab biologists believe the hammerhead worm was brought into the province in nursery plant stock.

Named for their distinctive, flattened heads, these predatory worms can grow to be over a foot long and a pack a punch – a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin. This is the same toxin found in pufferfish.

While individual hammerhead worms won't give humans a lethal dose, experts urge caution. Their mucus can irritate the skin, so avoid picking them up with your bare hands. If you encounter a hammerhead worm, use gloves or a shovel to dispose of it.

You also want to watch out for pets as the toxin in these worms can cause swelling, pain and stomach upset (if ingested).

Environmental Impact of Hammerhead Worms

The real threat these worms pose lies in their impact on the environment.

The toxin in hammerhead worms can be lethal for small animals. In addition, their voracious appetite for earthworms disrupts the delicate balance of local ecosystems.

Earthworms play a vital role in soil health and nutrient cycling, so their decline can have a ripple effect on the entire food chain.

How To Help

How can you help with the hammerhead worm problem?

Be vigilant!

If you spot a flat, ribbon-like worm with a broad head in your garden, report it to the Ministry of Natural Recourses and Forestry online through the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System. The invasive Species Centre also recommends using iNaturalist for reporting new sightings. This app is used by scientists and conservationists to track the movement and population of species.

RELATED: Check out Barrie 360's list of free identifier apps for birds, bugs, plants and more ...

Disposing Of Hammerhead Worms

To properly dispose of hammerhead worms, pick them up with gloves then put the worm in a sealable plastic baggy. Place the bag in the sun until the worm dies. Once you're sure it is dead, you can place the worm in your garbage bins.

Do not try to cut the worm in half with your spade or other garden tools. Hammerhead worms are regenerative. That means that each piece will become a new worm, creating even more worms to contend with.

By working together, we can help prevent these invasive worms from taking root and protect our precious ecosystems.