New York, NY — A viral TikTok video is gaining traction — and making many gardeners uneasy — after warning viewers about the Asian jumping worm, an invasive species wreaking havoc across gardens and forests in parts of the United States.
The video, posted by Organic Gardening Companion (@organicgardeningco), shows the user holding a wriggling worm and stating:
“If you see these, get rid of them.”
The Growing Threat
The Asian jumping worm is native to East Asia but has spread across the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions of the U.S. Experts say the worm’s thrashing movement and ability to flip off the ground make it easily identifiable — and a serious problem for gardeners and local ecosystems.
According to The Cool Down, the worm is “horrible for your garden,” as it feeds aggressively on the same organic matter that nourishes native species.
“All that movement takes a lot of energy, and fueling that energy takes a lot of food — the same food many native species need to survive,” the report notes.
While a few worms might seem harmless, large populations can rob soil of nutrients, leaving it depleted and less capable of supporting healthy plant growth.
How They Spread
Because these worms live in soil, they can spread easily — often hitching rides in mulch, potting mix, compost, or even on the treads of shoes.
This makes containment extremely difficult, especially when gardeners unknowingly move infected soil or leaves to new areas.
“Once they get from gardens to forests, the problem becomes much bigger,” the video warns.
In forests, Asian jumping worms devour the “litter layer” — the protective blanket of fallen leaves that covers the ground. This layer is crucial for maintaining soil structure and providing food for native insects and decomposers. When it’s removed, soil quality deteriorates and native wildlife suffers.
How to Stop the Spread
Experts and gardeners are encouraging people to be proactive in controlling these invasive worms. The good news: the process is simple and doesn’t require chemicals or traps.
Here are key steps to reduce the spread:
- Avoid moving soil, mulch, or plant debris from known infested areas to other locations.
- Inspect garden supplies like mulch, compost, and potting soil before use.
- Clean shoes, tools, and gloves after gardening or hiking to avoid accidental transfer.
- Dispose of worms properly by sealing them in a plastic bag and throwing them in the trash — never in compost piles or gardens.
“Saving your garden and stopping the reach of the worms’ damage is easy,” the video states, urging gardeners to act quickly once infestations are spotted.
Public Reactions Online
The viral TikTok sparked immediate reactions from gardeners across the U.S. One user commented:
“Saw this video a couple days ago, and low n behold… found them in my garden under some mulch bags.”
Another wrote:
“I saw those all the time when I was a kid in my backyard. That might be why our flowers kept dying so quickly when we did everything else right.”
The Bigger Picture
Environmental experts are warning that while the Asian jumping worm might seem like just another garden nuisance, its rapid spread could have long-term consequences for ecosystems, especially in forests where soil health plays a critical role in biodiversity.
Gardeners are urged to stay alert, share information, and act early to prevent further damage.
What do you think of this invasive species issue — have you spotted jumping worms in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
