Asian jumping worms on the sidewalk in Oakland, March 2024 (photo by Kate St. John)

30 April 2026

We’re used to watching out for pests while turning over the soil but here’s one you may not recognize. Asian jumping worms (Amynthas agrestis) are an invasive species that writhe and jump unlike our relatively placid earthworms. Earthworms benefit the garden but Asian jumping worms ruin the soil. If you have them, get rid of them!

Here’s a quick video from Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York that describes the worms and an easy way to get rid of them.

You can tell when a bird catches a jumping worm because the worm constantly twists and writhes. The worm can even break off its tail and keep on living. Watch a grackle catch one … and most of the worm escapes anyway. Boo!

Learn more in this vintage article from 2019, including links to Pennsylvania jumping worm news.

p.s. How to get rid of them? Put them in a sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 10 minutes.