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All Things Considered
Clay Masters and Ben Revier

Invasive jumping worms are spreading in Minnesota

A view of a worm above the ground.
The invasive jumping worm can strip the soil of nutrients, kill plants and cause severe erosion. It was first discovered in Minnesota in 2006. It gets its name because it aggressively writhes and wriggles like a snake when disturbed, appearing to “jump.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

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Nearly all of the terrestrial earthworms in Minnesota are invasive species from Europe and Asia. The most recognizable is the nightcrawler. It's commonly used as fishing bait, but it came overseas from Europe more than 100 years ago.

Jumping worms are the latest invasive worm to arrive in Minnesota. While often found in gardens and compost piles, they represent a threat to the health of our landscapes.

MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Lee Frelich, the lead researcher on the University of Minnesota’s Jumping Worms Project, about the species and its impacts on the ecosystem.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.