Be Warned: Monster Worms Invade Texas

The hammerhead worm, a toe-curlingly gross creature, is making its presence known in Houston, Texas. As if Hurricane Beryl and the subsequent flooding weren't enough, these slimy suckers are thriving in the damp, tropical conditions.

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

These bad boys, which can grow up to a foot long, pack a poisonous punch. Their slime can paralyze and they secrete toxins that'll give you a nasty rash and maybe something worse. They're bad news for your pets too, possibly deadly if Fido gets curious. And they're not picky, they'll take down an earthworm just as easily. So, your garden and those precious flowers? Under threat.

What's a Texan to do? Well, chopping it in half is a hard NO since that just gives you two worms. Bagging and freezing them seems like the best bet, but even dead, these slimy suckers require gloves to avoid a toxic goodbye.

So, keep your eyes peeled, your gloves handy, and maybe invest in a bigger freezer. Oh, and pray for less rain, I guess.

Get the full lowdown on these monstrosities here: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/hammerhead-flatworms-houston-texas-toxic-invasive/285-9ab7136e-348d-4495-a9c4-25e74c7114cb