Invasive and toxic species may be creeping around your yard

There may be a silent assassin creeping around your yard.

The invasive – and toxic – hammerhead worm has been spotted in Newmarket Ont, according to a local horticultural association. These worms aren’t native to the province, and it’s believed they came to North America in some plants shipped from Southeast Asia.

This species can be a hazard to small animals and pets wandering the property this spring. The hammerhead worm can irritate a person’s skin and eyes, and can be harmful to your loving pets’ stomachs if eaten, shared the Ontario Horticultural Association of Wasaga Beach.

Numerous reports say the hammerhead worm, also know as the shovelhead worm, has been found in parts of our region branching out to Kitchener, Windsor, Guelph, Milton, London and Toronto.

These creatures are known to grow five to 10 centimetres in length, and can also be multicolored, said the local association.

According to the Ontario Horticultural Association, the worms currently have no predator, so controlling the spread is the best way to maintain them.

Where do you find the hammerhead worm?

A hammerhead worm is a general term for several different species of flatworms. Like many worms, they are usually found in soil, leaf litter and under logs or rocks.

It is commonly known as the wandering broadhead planarian, scientific name Bipalium adventitium, the conservation authority shared.

What to do if you find one?

The association suggests picking the worm up with a shovel or with covered hands and disposing of them in soapy water or vinegar and salt in a sealed container or sandwich bag.

The association says cutting the worm into pieces won’t work, as they can regenerate into more fully developed worms.

Species Hotline

If you do see a hammerhead worm, you can also call the province’s invasive species hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or the Invasive Species in Ontario project to report a sighting.