earthworms

Earthworms are not insects, but annelids.  They are beneficial organisms because they break down organic matter, aerate the soil and make great fishing bait!

There is no registered insecticide for their control and most people are more concerned about preserving them rather than using pesticides that may be toxic to these creatures.

However, at certain times and in certain locations such as the area just north of Houston, Texas (The Woodlands, Conroe) where they become so numerous, they disrupt turfgrass areas, leaving them spongy and littered with earthworm castings (see image at left).

Additional resources about earthworms and considerations for managing them in turfgrass areas:

• Earthworms in Turf (University of Wisconsin Extension)
• Earthworms as Pests in Home Lawns (NC State University Extension)
• Animation of earthworm eating (NC State University Extension)