Poisonous hammerhead worms on the rise in Houston

As Hurricane Beryl batters Houston, bringing flooding and damp, humid weather, experts warn of the perfect conditions for the invasive hammerhead worm. This creature, with its hammer-shaped head, can grow up to 15 inches in length and secretes toxins that can irritate skin and be fatal to pets.

"It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms." - Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Texas Invasive Species Institute

What to do if you see one:

• DON'T cut it in half. It will regenerate.
• Place it in a plastic bag with salt, vinegar, or citrus oil, then freeze it.
• ALWAYS wear gloves when handling, even when dead.
• If touched, rinse with soap and water, then use hand sanitizer.
• If pets consume, contact a vet immediately.

Native to Asia, now invasive in:

• Alabama
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Texas

Full story: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/hammerhead-flatworms-houston-texas-toxic-invasive/285-9ab7136-348d-4495-a9c4-25e74c7114cb