Hammerhead Worms Are Invading Texas: KILL THEM ALL
They might not be as ferocious as the sandworms from Dune, but hammerhead worms are nothing to sneeze at. They’re toxic. They can carry parasites. They can grow to over a foot long. If they're cut in half, both halves regenerate. And they’re invading Texas.
Well, strictly speaking, they already invaded Texas. News of the presence and continual re-emergence of this invasive species has been circling for some time, but the recent heavy rains of Hurricane Beryl have brought upsettingly large numbers of these worms—which thrive in wet, tropical climates—to the surface.
What Are Hammerhead Worms?
Hammerhead worms are a part of the phylum Platyhelminthes, which includes all flatworms. This genealogical membership gives them the ability to become two different, genetically identical flatworms if they are cut in half—a process that can actually be initiated by the flatworm as a form of asexual reproduction. The worm will break a part of itself off that will then grow into a genetic clone of the parent worm.
Why Are They a Concern?
Toxicity
Hammerhead worms produce a type of neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin to hunt creatures such as earthworms. They will paralyze a worm with the neurotoxin (found in the mucus secreted by their skin) and clamp on, digesting whatever unlucky part happened to be most accessible.
Sounds scary, but the hammerhead worms cannot bite or inject that tetrodotoxin into humans or animals. According to entomologist Theresa Dellinger, who spoke in a statement from Virginia Tech, “The likelihood of hammerhead worms harming people or animals is low and would require getting the mucus in the mouth or eyes.” Even then, however, the most likely symptom of contact with the toxin is irritation—though, experts recommend reaching out to an appropriate medical or veterinary professional with even mild symptoms like this (and definitely don’t eat, or allow any children or pets to eat, any worms).
Invasiveness
These worms—which likely came to the U.S. from Asia along trade routes—reproduce very quickly, they are difficult or impossible to eradicate once established in an area, and they pose a threat to native and beneficial crawly critters like earthworms through direct predation. On top of all that, they can carry parasites, which can be bad news for a variety of organisms.
How to Handle a Hammerhead Worm Infestation
Identification
Hammerhead worms are identifiable by their distinctive spade-shaped heads and long, flat bodies. They can grow to over a foot long and are typically found in wet, tropical climates.
Safe Handling
If you encounter a hammerhead worm, do not touch it with bare hands. Wear gloves to avoid any potential irritation from their toxic mucus.
Killing the Worms
To kill a hammerhead worm, you can:
- Place it in a container filled with salt, vinegar, hand sanitizer, soapy water, or citrus oil.
- Freeze the worm overnight.
- Place it in direct sunlight for several hours.
Conclusion
Considering how entrenched these worms have become (there are established populations in Texas, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, according to the Austin American-Statesman), they’ll likely continue to be an upsetting-looking nuisance for the foreseeable future. So, feel free to get to stomping. The fewer worms wriggling up from the ground, the better.
10 Invasive Species in Texas That You Should Kill on Sight
Gallery Credit: Emily Chaisson