06/26/2026
⚠️ Invasive Jumping Worms Have Been Found in Upstate NY.. including Franklin County⚠️
Please keep an eye out for invasive Asian jumping worms, which are becoming increasingly common in Franklin County and throughout Upstate New York.
A few important things to know:
🪱 Where they're from: Jumping worms are native to East Asia and are an invasive species in North America.
🌱 Why they're a problem: Unlike our areas naturalized earthworms, jumping worms rapidly consume organic matter, leaving behind loose, grainy soil that looks like coffee grounds. This depletes nutrients, reduces the soil's ability to hold water, and makes it harder for plants, gardens, forests, and lawns to thrive.
🚜 How they spread: Their tiny cocoons are nearly impossible to see and are easily transported in:
• Potted plants and nursery stock
• Compost and mulch
• Soil on gardening tools, boots, and tires
• Moved topsoil or fill dirt
Even if you don't see the worms themselves, their cocoons can hitchhike from one property to another. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU GET YOUR POTTED PLANTS AND TOPSOIL/COMPOST!
✅ If you find them:
• Avoid moving soil, mulch, compost, or plants from the affected area.
• Clean soil from tools, boots, and equipment before leaving the site.
• Bag any worms you find and dispose of them in the trash (do not release them elsewhere).
• Report sightings!
One way to identify them is by their smooth, milky-white band (clitellum) that completely encircles the body. This band is not raised like other native earthworms. When disturbed, they thrash violently and can even jump several inches, which is how they got their name.
Please take a few minutes to learn what they look like and help prevent their spread using the link below. Every little bit helps protect our forests, gardens, and native ecosystems.
📖 More information:
https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/post/worms-worms-everywhere
