Hammerhead Flatworms: Louisiana’s Heat and Rain Are Helping Them Thrive

Have you started spotting hammerhead worms in your garden yet? Shreveport gardeners started to notice an unwelcome visitor a couple of years ago. Luckily, the LSU Ag Center warned us about these invasive worms, and although it isn't good to spot them, we do know that they are horrid for our gardens and our environment overall.

Curious why hammerhead flatworms are popping up all over Louisiana? Blame our Southern weather. The relentless heat, rain, and humidity create the perfect conditions for these invasive worms to not just survive, but truly thrive, sometimes growing up to a foot long. The biggest concern? These flatworms have a destructive appetite for earthworms, which are vital for healthy soil and a balanced ecosystem. If you want good soil, you need those earthworms around.

Why are These Worms Called Zombie Worms?

According to LSU AgCenter entomologist Nathan Lord, getting rid of hammerhead worms isn't easy due to their remarkable regenerative abilities. Lord explains, "They have specialized cells that allow them — and a number of other organisms — to regenerate parts of their body or sometimes even entire new bodies from a small piece of the original worm."

So, how do you successfully eliminate these garden invaders? Since cutting them won't work, your best bet is to move the hammerhead worm into direct sunlight and douse it with a healthy amount of salt.

If you want to see a creepy zombie worm in action, you can see the video below; however, if you're squeamish, this video is not for you. Unfortunately, it looks like these invasive worms are all over the world.