Another in a long line of invasive pests with Asian origins is likely coming to the Northwoods.
Oneida County invasive species specialist Jean Hansen says the Jumping Worm, a native of Japan and Korea threatens woods and fields and has been found or suspected in parts of Wisconsin. She says the DNR is trying to alert gardeners and property owners about the worm which looks a little like the common earthworm with a tan band around its torso..
"...it likes to live in compost, under compost piles, underneath mulch, so if you like to mulch around your trees or anywhere else in your yard, they stay above the ground but underneath the mulch..."
She says the worm restructures the soil and makes it difficult for the plant to regenerate or stay alive as the worm also eats the plant roots. Hansen says state researchers don't know that much about this invasive species so they're trying to quickly learn about the worm. The DNR has put together a Best Management Practice document which the public can comment on if you go to the DNR website and put "jumping worm" in the search box.
