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Critters in the Yard
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return to Critters in the Yard -
Earthworms
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension
Unit
They are extremely beneficial in the soil, where they provide
aeration and help break down decaying matter into nutrients. While
these creatures need ample moisture to survive, they try to move to
drier areas when the soil becomes waterlogged.
After heavy spring rains, hundreds and thousands of earthworms can
be seen on sidewalks and driveways and in garages. When this
happens, the beneficial worm becomes invasive. Earthworms cause no
real harm, but large numbers of them on sidewalks can be a slippery
hazard. Dead ones in garages may have an unpleasant odor.
At times, large numbers of earthworms in a lawn may cause a bumpy
surface. There are no non-chemical control methods of earthworms,
and no chemical pesticides specifically registered for use on
earthworms.
However, if you feel control is necessary, some chemicals designed
for control of other pests will kill earthworms. These may not be
registered for earthworms, however. For example, the lawn fungicide
benomyl is toxic to them. Carbaryl (Sevin) is also very effective.
The use of ammonium sulfate, a common nitrogen fertilizer, will
slowly decrease earthworm numbers over several years.
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