Hammerhead Worms: What They Are & How to Protect Yourself
Written by Emma Wike, NCSU Intern
What are hammerhead worms?
Hammerhead worms (Bipalium kewense) are terrestrial flat worms with a half-moon-shaped head.These worms are very invasive and originated in Southeast Asia but were introduced by horticulture and landscaping ornaments sometime in the 1900s.
This worm is not considered a Pseudoparasite. A Pseudoparasite is an organism that does not rely on a host for nutrition, replication, or survival. For these creatures a host only provides a hospitable environment for growth and development.
However, There have been 3 reported cases of worms being found inside of humans. You can protect yourself when working outside by wearing gloves and being alert.
Some, but not all species of Bipalium, produce a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin in their mucus. Bipalium kewense are considered dangerous because of the mucus on the outside of their bodies, this mucus is very dangerous and contains a neurotoxin, it can cause skin irritation.
Do not cut or chop the worm because if there are any remaining pieces of the worm it can regenerate into multiples.
These worms have been in North Carolina since 1951 at least. The most effective way to get rid of them is to pick the worm up with gloves or a tool and put the worm into a well sealed bag or container with salt or vinegar that causes them to dehydrate. Freezing the worm is another very effective method to kill the worm. If you see the worm on or in soil around a plant you should not put salt or vinegar on it in the soil because it can harm the plant.
Hammerhead worms use their neurotoxin to subdue their prey, however these worms do not bite. Hammerhead worms can only irritate humans or animals by getting the outer layer of mucus in their mouth or eyes. It is recommended that you do not treat your entire property for worms but instead when you find a worm, you treat that one worm.
To read more about hammerhead worms, take a look at Don’t Panic! Hammerhead Worms Are Here (And Have Been for a While!) - Lee County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension
and https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/terrestrial-flatwormshammerhead-worms
