The light honey-colored worm, marked by a darker collar and up to five stripes, may look harmless, but it poses a serious threat to native Texas species.
The invasive species known as the hammerhead worm is reappearing in Texas, following several weeks of excessive rainfall.
The Asian hammerhead worm, a ground-dwelling flatworm, is lethal to earthworms, which are responsible for distributing oxygen, draining water and creating space for plant roots. Hammerhead worms tend to stay out of the sunlight, hidden from plain sight, but the extra rain has brought them out.
USA Today reports the species have been reported throughout Texas for decades, but more recently, they have been spotted in the Houston area, Dallas, Austin and along the coast, according to the Texas Invasive Species Institute.
Why are hammerhead worms so dangerous to humans or pets?
Hammerhead worms are not a threat to humans, the institute noted.
Hammerhead worms do not bite, but they do secrete a poisonous chemical as a form of protection against predators. This chemical may cause skin irritation in humans who come into contact with the worm.
The species are not dangerous to household pets. If a dog or cat eats one of the worms, they will likely “get nauseous and throw it up, but there is no long-term threat. With their sticky bodies, hammerhead worms may get stuck to pet fur, but the worms will not irritate their skin,” the institute said.
What to do when you see a hammerhead worm
The organization says that in the event one sees a hammerhead worm, do not kill it right away or cut it up.
The worm can produce asexually. So if you were to cut up a worm and leave it in the yard, it could split off, and within just about 10 days, a head could form on the cut-off end. To properly dispose of a hammerhead worm, place the whole worm inside a resealable bag or container with salt or vinegar and then dispose of it.
Hammerhead worms can also be sprayed with a combination of citrus oil (such as orange essence) and vinegar, according to the Texas Invasive Species Institute. When handling a hammerhead worm, always wear gloves and never touch the worm directly.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Toxic hammerhead worms resurface in Texas after weeks of heavy rain. What to know
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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