Jumping worms and soil erosion in Minnesota forests

Southeastern Minnesota's forests are on steep slopes that can be prone to soil erosion. This Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC)-funded research project is hoping to better understand the impact of jumping worms on these forest slopes. Preliminary study shows that  jumping worm-infested soils are extremely light and loose, likely making them highly susceptible to soil erosion by human footsteps, rainfall, and water runoff. 

Check out the information below to learn how you can help!

Keep an eye out for jumping-worm infested soils as you spend time outdoors.

Jumping worms are likely to be infesting moister north and east slopes. They're also more likely to be in areas that are near parking lots, picnic areas, or residential areas, as these are common introduction points. 

For this project, we're looking for jumping worm-infested sites in the metro and southeast Minnesota. The sites should be hardwood forested hillslopes with minimal understory (the picture included here is a good example).

If you find jumping worms in areas that don't fit this description for research sites, please still report it to EDDMapS. This helps researchers, managers, and other professionals track the spread of invasive species. More info on reporting below.

One way you can tell the presence of jumping worms is by the distinct texture of the top 2" of soil in an area they infest.  The soil will feel loose, granular, and crumbly, resembling cat litter or coffee grounds. This loose texture can feel noticeable underfoot, crumbling even as you’re walking on it.

Nightcrawler-infested soils are firmer and contain small mounds called middens. These middens are made of worm castings and plant residue (leaf petioles, mid-veins, and twigs). A way to confirm it’s a nightcrawler midden is by gently moving the midden and underneath will be a hole! This is the entrance to the nightcrawler burrow. 

Jumping worms do not create middens because they stay within the top 4" of soil. Nightcrawlers can burrow deeper than 6 feet.

Whether it's in your yard or on public lands, please report jumping worms to EDDMapS anywhere you find them.

Only report jumping worms if you have clear photos of an adult worm with a clitellum.

Download the free app on your Android or Apple smartphone, set-up your login information and then you're ready to go. Skip to minute 1:15 and watch this short video to learn more.

Worm identification can be tricky so good photos are critical. For each EDDMapS report provide at least 3 good imagines of the worm from several angles and make sure the clitellum is visible and the photo clear. 

Jumping worms cannot be identified until the worm is mature and clitellum fully developed. In Minnesota this is likely mid-July. Before then jumping worms cannot be identified. Watch this video on how to take good identification photos (the video is from iNaturalist, but be sure to report your jumping worms to EDDMapS).

Photo of jumping worm by A. Gupta.

Remember to clean the treads of your shoes and boots before you enter or leave a natural area. Jumping worm cocoons are very small and can travel with the mud stuck on your shoes, wheels, or equipment that you bring from place to place.

Photo of jumping worm cocoons by Maria Johnston and boot brush by H.Kim.

If you have jumping worms, it's best to leave the leaves and other materials on your property to prevent spreading the worms and cocoons. If you have to remove your leaves, contact your yard waste collector and ask if they follow the "process for further reducing pathogens." This ensures the compost reaches high temperatures, which should kill any worms and cocoons. Be sure to read through the DNR's required permit for transporting yard waste with jumping worms.

Alternative ways to divert your leaves:

1. Add them to your compost piles

2. Use them as mulch in your garden

3. Mulch them over your turf