Wildlife officers are warning pet house owners about an invasive worm in Maine. The hammerhead worm appears like a cross between an earthworm and one thing you’d see in a science fiction film. Because the identify suggests, the top is flat like that of a hammerhead shark.
In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the hammerhead worm is native to Southeast Asia. It poses a number of dangers within the U.S. if it turns into “established.” Which means the worm would basically be right here to remain and develop into a part of the ecosystem. The hammerhead worm eats earthworms, which might hurt not solely pure areas but additionally agriculture, as earthworms play an vital position in soil well being.
The Maine Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife not too long ago posted in regards to the worm in Maine on their social media account. Not solely is the species invasive, however it will possibly additionally irritate human pores and skin. And even worse, they will make pets sick in case your cat or canine had been to eat one.
This can be a hammerhead worm. If you’re pondering that it doesn’t appear to be it belongs in Maine, you’re proper! However there…
Posted by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife on Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Of their put up, Maine’s wildlife officers warn individuals from reducing them or smashing them in half. That is how the worm really multiplies. So should you lower one in half in your yard, now there are two.
Getting Rid of the Hammerhead Worm
So what must you do should you discover one? In response to researchers at Virginia Tech, you need to first placed on some gloves. The worm is roofed in a mucus that may irritate human pores and skin or probably get in your eyes.
Subsequent, you’ll wish to use tongs or one thing else to choose the worm up and put it in a container. From there, to kill the worm, you’ll be able to go away it within the solar, pour salt, hand sanitizer or soapy water within the container. Or just put it within the freezer for a bit. Afterwards, remember to wash your arms totally.
Sadly, hammerhead worms have been noticed in lots of areas of the U.S., together with the East Coast, the Pacific Northwest, and extra. In Maine, they’re attempting to restrict the worms from coming into. That’s why of their put up, they are saying, “Should you discover them in plant soil offered at a retailer, report it to the Maine Warden Service at 1-800-ALERT-US or MaineOGT.org.”