Invasive and Harmful Worm Discovered in Ontario, Canada
An invasive and harmful worm capable of growing to three feet long has been discovered in Ontario, Canada. The hammerhead land planarian is toxic and, experts warn, can pose a threat to pets, small children, and small animals.
“They’re here. People are surprised to see them because they are very unusual. People are not used to seeing them. They are originally a semitropical organism,” said John Reynolds, a laboratory biologist and worm expert.
Rapid Expansion and Threat
According to reports from iNaturalist, an online platform where people can report sightings of invasive species, the presence of hammerhead worms in the province was initially noted a couple of years ago. However, the number of sightings has significantly increased over the past 12 months, with reports as recent as yesterday.
The flatworms are native to southeast Asia and thrive in moist soil. They have been a longstanding issue in the United States and Quebec, and now they are making their way to new locations, possibly through the transportation of greenhouse plants.
A Devastating Menace
“The predatory land planarian is no friend of earthworms. In fact, they are parasites that eat earthworms and can wipe out entire populations,” explained Howard Garrett, a gardening and landscaping expert.
The remarkable regenerative abilities of hammerhead worms enable them to grow back from small parts of their body. Each piece of the worm, when cut into pieces, can turn into a new and individual hammerhead worm.
“Smashing this pest is the thing to do, except for the fact that it grows back from small pieces. A better solution is to spray with orange oil to completely destroy it and prevent its return,” suggested Garrett.
The hammerhead worms are poisonous and harmful to the ecosystem. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling them to avoid exposure to their mucus, as bare-hand contact can cause skin irritation.
“It isn’t really harmful to adults. It might create a rash and reaction in really young children, but they can be a bit of a problem,” noted Reynolds.
Take Action to Protect the Environment
The discovery of the hammerhead worm in Ontario, Canada raises concerns and emphasizes the importance of taking action to prevent its further spread. Residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the appropriate local agencies. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about the impact of invasive species and ensure the protection of the local ecosystem.
