Poisonous Hammerhead Worms Invade Houston

As Hurricane Beryl battereds Texas, Houston faced another threat: the rise of poisonous hammerhead worms. These invasive creatures, thriving in hot and humid weather, are expected to proliferate in the region.

“It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms." - Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Texas Invasive Species Institute. https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/hammerhead-flatworms-houston-texas-toxic-invasive/285-9ab7136e-348d-4495-a9c4-25e74c7114cb

The Hammerhead Menace:

• Up to 15 inches long with a hammer-shaped head
• Secretes toxins that irritate skin and can be fatal to pets
• Carries parasites
• Depredates earthworms, crucial for soil health

What to Do:

These worms are not just creepy but difficult to eliminate. They're regenerative, doubling in number when chopped in half. Avoid direct contact and handle with gloves even when dead. Place in a plastic bag with salt, vinegar, or citrus oil, then freeze overnight.

A Wide Reach:

Native to Asia, hammerhead worms have invaded the US through plant trade. They're predominantly found in the Southeast, including Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas.

Full details on how to identify and handle these invasive pests: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/hammerhead-flatworms-houston-texas-toxic-invasive/285-9ab7136e-348d-4495-a9c4-25e74c7114cb