Posted on 06/15/2026 5:20:25 AM PDT by Red Badger
A county park official says the worm was spotted in Cliff Cave Park along the Mississippi River. (Photo courtesy of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation)
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An invasive hammerhead worm was reportedly found earlier this week at a St. Louis County Park for the first time.
A county park official says the worm was spotted in Cliff Cave Park along the Mississippi River.
These flatworms originate from Asia and can harm the local ecosystem by preying on native earthworms, which are essential for healthy soil.
They are usually seen after heavy rains, hiding under logs, rocks and leaf litter, according to St. Louis County Parks and Recreation.
Hammerhead worms can also release toxins that irritate skin and can make people and pets ill if eaten. Avoid cutting them, as they can regenerate.
To safely euthanize a hammerhead worm, officials say to place it in a sealed bag, using gloves or a shovel. Add vinegar, rubbing alcohol, salt or soap water to the sealed bag or place it in the freezer for 48 hours.
Then, dispose of the bag in the trash.
I would imagine putting them in a zip lock bag with some alcohol or vinegar would kill them and isolate them in the trash. Crazy stuff….
The worms here likely crawled off of a Chinese illegaL immigrant’s plate before being eaten.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Spaceballs the Flamethrower brand cuz I’m picky. 😃
Wow, China virus and now a China worm?
“ FLUSHING THEM DOWN THE TOILET ONLY ADDS THEM TO OUR WATER SUPPLY.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS.”
It is a liberal thought process: flushing something makes it go away, much like electricity comes from that little socket thingy on the wall. Basically, out of sight, out of mind.
We aren't as bad as Australia...yet!
I believe these, and other Asian health problems brought to the US, are biowarfare.
How come we never hear of an invasive species from America harming the ecosystem in China? Seems like it’s all one way.
"Invasive toxic worm control": it's a career.
> I believe these, and other Asian health problems brought to the US, are biowarfare. <
I won’t disagree. Let’s say that there’s an oil spill off one of our coasts. All hell breaks loose. There are congressional investigations. Lawsuits. Environmental groups go nuts.
But COVID kills millions, and no one in power seems interested in finding the exact cause. All we get is vague, “maybe” explanations.
It’s very curious.
Named McCaskill by any chance?
“...that can make people ill if eaten.”
I don’t know. I just don’t know...
Maybe President Trump should warn libs against eating them.
Doesn't sound too safe for the hammerhead youth in Asia.
That method to kill the worms seems rather complicated. I think I’d try making them listen to Bad Bunny music for about an hour.
If that doesn’t kill, them, use the other method as a backup.
We are busy in my area fighting an invasive tree called “tree of heaven” - another “gift” from China...
“’Tree of heaven’” is a rapidly growing invasive deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan that has become a widespread noxious weed in North America and Europe.
The species is considered highly destructive because it reproduces aggressively via prolific wind-dispersed seeds and extensive root suckering that can emerge up to 50 feet from the parent. It also employs allelopathy, releasing chemicals from its roots, leaves, and bark that inhibit or kill neighboring native plants, allowing it to form dense, monoculture thickets.”
I am constantly pulling them out of my yard.
You’re right! I’ve always wanted to go there, to the Outback, and see the Southern Milky Way, but I’ll take my chances here in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s hazardous enough.
We have ‘Popcorn Trees’ that are invasive form China, poisonous seeds and you practically have to dig up the roots to get rid of them..........
I’ve always called that “paradise tree” here in Arizona. You’ll have to keep pulling or chopping it at least once a year, because you won’t ever eradicate it from a piece of ground after it grows there. When I worked in Jerome, AZ 30+ years ago, much of the town was an example of what paradise tree could do if left to take over.
“WHY DISPOSE OF IT IN THE TRASH???”
If the trash is incinerated, then toxins are neutralized.
Nah... The Chinese think everything is for ‘vigor’ and erections. Probably brought in by some Chinese witch doctor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.