Hammerhead worms: How dangerous are they to south central Kentucky?

BOWLING GREEN Ky. – There have been many articles recently about the Hammerhead Worm, and many focus on the fact that it is technically toxic to humans. This, however, is really only a danger if they are handled barehanded. This non-native variety is less a danger and more of an annoyance.

These worms pose the greatest threat to native species of earthworms, which, if left unchecked, could damage the health of the soil. Experts, such as UK Extension Office entomologist Jonathan Larson, recommend only handling these worms with gloves and to only dispatch them by placing them in a sealable plastic bag and filling it with either salt or vinegar, much like you would do for a slug.

“They’re not necessarily going to cause widespread devastation. They do eat things like earthworms that we may broadly consider beneficial, and a few other kinds of slimy critters. But they’re not going to wipe out trees or yards or anything like that,” Jonathan Larson said.