‘Crazy worms’ are raging in many states across the United States

This invasive worm was accidentally introduced into the US in the late 19th century and has now been detected in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire and Colorado.

Colorado officials first discovered the presence of this worm in October 2025, in the Hilltop neighborhood in Denver. They later spread to a series of states in the US Midwest, including Kansas and Missouri.

This species of jumping worm is called the “crazy worm” by the American media because when touched or disturbed, this worm will activate its defense mechanism, thrash wildly, slither and zigzag at extremely fast speeds like a small snake, and can even bounce off the ground about 30 cm.

They have a smooth surface, dark gray or brown, with a milky white cavity near the head. Sometimes, they can cut off their tails to escape.

“Excessive activity of jumping worms degrades soil structure, harms plant roots and causes the soil to dry out quickly, leading to the phenomenon of ‘nutrient poverty paradox’, meaning the soil still has nutrients but plants cannot absorb them. This can worsen the drought situation,” the Colorado Department of Agriculture issued a warning on April 22.

California state officials also warn people to be especially wary of this invasive worm.

What is more worrying is that their reproduction rate is very fast, because this species of worm can reproduce without mating. Experts warn that just one worm, even a small cocoon in the ground or at the base of a tree, can trigger a new outbreak of invasive worms.

Not only does this worm destroy land, it also threatens wildlife. Experts say they can be toxic to some birds and salamanders, disturbing the local ecosystem.

There is currently no effective method to kill worms. According to experts, the best way to get rid of them is to put them in a sealed plastic bag, dry in the sun for 10 minutes and then throw them in the trash.

State officials are urging people to carefully check all materials and soil types brought into the garden, as well as not to buy jumping worms as fishing bait.