Ontario is looking forward to the arrival of jumping worms this spring. These worms behave differently from other species. When they feel anxious, they tremble allowing them to jump into the air and escape some predators.
The jumping worms are said to have settled in the United States in the 19that century and since then they have spread to Canada.
Some think their presence is good for gardens, but according to André-Philippe Drapeau-Picard, entomological information officer at the Montreal Insectarium, they are harmful not only for the gardens, but also for the forests in North America. .
” They eat primarily organic matter on the surface of the earth. This causes soil depletion and then increases nutrient leaching, reducing water retention in the soil, making it harder for native plants to grow.[…]So it is not good for gardens or natural environment. “
Jumping worms are not dangerous to humans. André-Philippe Drapeau-Picard offers several possible solutions to eliminate them if they find themselves on your property or in your garden.
Source: Radio-Canada