They’re Back! Arkansas Under Siege by Regenerating Poisonous Worms
They're back! The poisonous hammerhead worms are on the rise again in Arkansas. You're warned to stay alert while outside because these creepy creatures are dangerous to pets and humans if you come in contact with one of them.
Hammerhead Worms in Arkansas
This invasive species has a flat head that resembles a hammerhead shark. While they may be predators of earthworms, they can be harmful to children playing outdoors. THV11 in Little Rock reports that the poison in the slime is the same as the pufferfish.
If pets eat one, they can become very sick, so it's best to keep a watchful eye on your dog when outdoors in the yard. The states affected most by the Hammerhead worm are Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and California.
Hammerhead worms can grow up to 15 inches long and typically like warm, moist places like under flower pots or bricks around the house. If you have to handle one, wear gloves and have salt and vinegar handy because they do not like it. Be on the lookout, they can emerge on sidewalks, driveways, patios, and areas with lots of soil.
What Not To Do to a Hammerhead Worm
Killing them can be tricky; do not chop them up, or you will have a bunch of hammerhead worms. The regeneration process can take up to 10 days before they grow another head and replicate two more hammerhead worms. This sounds like something straight from a horror movie! The best way to dispose of a hammerhead worm is to place its pieces inside a sealed baggie with salt, vinegar, or citrus oil, then freeze it for up to 48 hours before disposal.
I haven't seen one in my yard yet, but that doesn't mean they're not there.
Find out more about hammerhead worms in Arkansas.
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Gallery Credit: Martha Sandoval