On July 1, 2024,
jumping worms (
Amynthas and
Metaphire species) were classified as
prohibited invasive species under Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations. This webpage is focused on providing information for businesses that may be affected by jumping worms. It is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce these species except under a
permit for disposal, control, research, or education.
- Bait suppliers, dealers, and retailers
- Jumping worms (earthworms in the Amynthas and Metaphire genera) cannot be sold. Common bait worms such as “angle worms” and “nightcrawlers” are different species (Lumbricus species, Aporrectodea species, etc.) than jumping worms and can still be sold.Bait suppliers, dealers and retailers may not sell or transport jumping worms, either on their own or as contaminants packaged with other, legal worm species. By preventing jumping worm contamination in bait worm species, it will reduce accidental introduction of jumping worms. If you think your worms have been contaminated with jumping worms, please contact the DNR. The DNR can assist in identification and provide advice related to mitigating measures.
- Nurseries, Landscaping companies, Sod suppliers, Garden centers
- There is a risk of jumping worms and their egg cases (cocoons) contaminating soils, mulches, and other materials. There are a variety of actions businesses can take.
- Prevention best management practices include:
- Insist that equipment arrive at your site clean of soil that may contain jumping worms.
- If your staff work at multiple sites, train to “arrive clean, leave clean.” Clean off soil and debris from vehicles, equipment and gear before moving to and from a work area to another area, to reduce the chances of spreading jumping worms.
- Train staff about jumping worms and invasive species prevention.
- Inspect new materials for jumping worms before distributing them at your site.
- If bringing in compost, make sure the supplier has followed the process for further reducing pathogens.
- Inspect products for jumping worms before sale.
- Management practices to avoid spreading jumping worms around your property include:
- Remove and dispose of jumping worms and contaminated materials.
- Avoid moving those materials around between plots/pots.
- Clean equipment between different areas of your property but especially after working with materials known to have jumping worms.
- Actions to take if jumping worms are suspected or confirmed:
- Send photos to the DNR to confirm identification.
- Consult with experts on actions that are most appropriate for your specific case. Actions could be quite different depending on the type of business, location of the worms, etc. as shown in the following two examples. A landscaping company may focus on making sure equipment is cleaned before heading out to a client’s house, so they are not moving soil from one client’s home to another client’s home.
- Review the document Best Practices for Disposing of Materials Infested with Jumping Worms (Amynthas and Metaphire species) for Nursery and Landscape Professionals
- The state is interested in working with businesses that get jumping worms. The state can work with experts and the business to determine whether there are practices that can help the business reduce the risk of spreading jumping worms.
- You can share information about jumping worms with those you work with. Below are documents to share with suppliers or clients.
- Prevention and Management Resources
Common questions related to the new regulation
Q: Will the DNR be doing nursery inspections to look for jumping worms? How would the DNR find out about jumping worms at my business?
A: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture does nursery inspections. It is not expected that DNR conservation officers will begin regularly inspecting nurseries. Jumping worm reports could come into the DNR from sources including self-reporting, Minnesota Department of Agriculture nursery inspectors, customers who have received items with jumping worms, or other reporters.Q: What happens if my business “gets” jumping worms? I need to sell or transport my soil or plants to stay in business.
A: The state is interested in working with businesses that get jumping worms, to have businesses continue while also not passing along jumping worms to clients. For example, changes to staging areas or increased cleaning procedures could also reduce contamination. The state can work with experts and the business to determine if there are treatments or permits that can help the business remain viable.Q: How do I find out more about enforcement of prohibited invasive species regulations?
A: When new rules go into effect, the DNR’s priority is education, to help people understand the new rules to prevent the introduction and spread of the species. You can view the following statutes and rules if you are interested in more detail on prohibited invasive species regulations. As stated in the previous question, the state is interested in working with businesses that get jumping worms, to have businesses continue while also not passing along jumping worms to clients.Q: Is reporting to the DNR mandatory if this rule change goes into effect? If a company finds they have jumping worms and they kill the worms in pots before shipping or selling, does the DNR need to be involved in any way?
A: Minnesota State Law (Statute 84D.08) requires a person to report the placement, release or escape of any non-native species into a free-living state within 24 hours of learning of the introduction. This report must be made to the commissioner, a conservation officer or another person designated by the commissioner. Should an individual or business discover the presence of contained jumping worms and is able to destroy the worms in such a manner as to prevent any introduction, they would not be required by law to make a report. Voluntary reporting in this case may be beneficial, as it can help the state track sources of jumping worms and provides access to expert guidance on managing jumping worms. - Vermicomposting (composting with worms)
- Jumping worms (earthworms in the Amynthas and Metaphire genera) cannot be sold. Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are a different species and can be sold. Suppliers be able to identify the species of worms they are selling and ensure they are not contaminated with jumping worms. It is illegal for suppliers to sell or transport jumping worms. By preventing jumping worm contamination in orders of red wigglers or other worm species, it will reduce accidental introduction of jumping worms.
- Yard waste facilities
- Yard waste facilities are regulated under the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources cannot mandate yard waste facility practices. There may be cases where homeowners bring yard waste with jumping worms to yard waste facilities. There are best practices that yard waste facilities can follow when composting to prevent jumping worms from contaminating finished compost and then being spread throughout the community. Actions yard waste facilities can take include:
- When composting, following the process for further reducing pathogens (PFRP) should be effective at killing jumping worms and their cocoons. The PFRP involves heating materials to 131°F and maintaining the temperature over time according to one of the three methods of PRFP described in Minnesota Rule 7035.2836, Subp. 5, letter I.
- Keep finished compost separated from unfinished compost, so that worms cannot move to the finished compost.
- Your facility can do outreach to your customers. For example, after jumping worms were found at the Olmsted County compost site, they added information on jumping worms to their webpage and placed informational signage at the entrance to the compost site and by the finished compost.
- Wood that is chipped and used for mulch does not go through the high heat process used for compost. To prevent jumping worms from moving into piles of wood mulch, wood mulch can be stored in areas where jumping worms are not present, on pavement, and separated from areas where people are dropping off fresh yard waste. Regularly inspect mulch for jumping worms.
- Resources
Contact information
Disposal
Identification
Overview Information
Regulation history
