I live in the Houston area. I discovered them in bagged soil. Unfortunately it was after mixing 1/2 the bag with compost and using in several raised beds. I have several pots that were sitting on those raised beds. I am wrapping those in plastic and putting them out in the sun for 2-3 weeks and will put them on the patio after they get hot enough. I was debating on letting the soil dry out first.
I can like deal with them in the raised beds and feed both plants and the worms more often with good compost.
My concern is the turf grass. What is known about the effects on st agustine turf.
The effects on turf grass of the jumping worms are mostly anecdotal, usually involving the loosening of the soil beneath the turf, allowing the grass to come off like a carpet. The jumping worms, which are "horizontal feeders" (moving laterally just below the surface) are eating the organic matter beneath the turf, so the area might collapse. The jumping worms should not be confused with cutworms or army worms, which can chew through the crowns of turf grass, especially St. Augustine grass. A couple of links: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2019/08/14/jumping-worms-are-the-latest-invasive-species-to-hit-illinois-in-chicago-theyre-basically-everywhere/
I live in the Houston area. I discovered them in bagged soil. Unfortunately it was after mixing 1/2 the bag with compost and using in several raised beds. I have several pots that were sitting on those raised beds. I am wrapping those in plastic and putting them out in the sun for 2-3 weeks and will put them on the patio after they get hot enough. I was debating on letting the soil dry out first.
I can like deal with them in the raised beds and feed both plants and the worms more often with good compost.
My concern is the turf grass. What is known about the effects on st agustine turf.
The effects on turf grass of the jumping worms are mostly anecdotal, usually involving the loosening of the soil beneath the turf, allowing the grass to come off like a carpet. The jumping worms, which are "horizontal feeders" (moving laterally just below the surface) are eating the organic matter beneath the turf, so the area might collapse. The jumping worms should not be confused with cutworms or army worms, which can chew through the crowns of turf grass, especially St. Augustine grass. A couple of links: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2019/08/14/jumping-worms-are-the-latest-invasive-species-to-hit-illinois-in-chicago-theyre-basically-everywhere/
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/stopping-spread-jumping-worms-calls-vigilance