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Texas Hammerhead Worms on the Rise: They are Toxic, They Persist.
The hammerhead worm, long an unwelcome guest in Texas, is yet another symptom of climate change. As Texas battles floods, the rising waters offer a breeding ground for this foreign invader, whose spread is a direct threat to the ecosystem, our communities, and the future of our planet. We must act now, or pay the price for our inaction.
Published July 24, 2024 at 9:51am by Brandi D. Addison
Climate change wreaks havoc as Houston, Texas faces a surge of poisonous hammerhead worms, threatening people, pets, and the environment
As if the people of Houston haven't suffered enough at the hands of climate change, with Hurricane Beryl bearing down and bringing flooding rains, now they face a new, insidious threat: the poisonous hammerhead worm. These invasive creatures, native to Asia, thrive in the hot, tropical climate that Houston is increasingly becoming due to the climate crisis.
"It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms." - Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Texas Invasive Species Institute
These worms, which can grow up to 15 inches in length, are not just a scary thought; they're a genuine danger. They secrete toxins that can irritate human skin and can be fatal to pets if ingested. They also carry parasites, and their slime can paralyze and kill earthworms, which are essential for healthy soil and organic matter decomposition.
To make matters worse, getting rid of these worms is no easy task. Cutting them in half is not a solution; it only creates two worms, as they have regenerative abilities. Experts recommend a combination of salt, vinegar, or citrus oil, and freezing if you must remove them yourself. But always handle with gloves, even when they're dead.
The hammerhead worm invasion isn't just a Houston problem, either. They've already been confirmed in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. It's clear that the climate crisis knows no borders, and neither do its destructive consequences.
With each new disaster and invasive species, the need for urgent climate action becomes more apparent. We cannot afford to delay any longer. Our health, our pets' safety, and the very environment we depend on are at stake.
Read more: Poisonous hammerhead worms rising in Texas. When chopped in two, they double