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Earthworms may work hard in our vegetable gardens by aerating and incorporating organic matter into the soil. But they are also one of the biggest threats to our Northern Forests. Check your worm knowledge, click on the answer you think is correct.

1. Believe it or not, earthworms were absent from Wisconsin. How many earthworm species have been introduced so far.
A. 1
B. 25
C. 15
D. None

2. Why aren't there native earthworms north of a line that stretches from Washington state to New York?
A. Its too cold
B. The glaciers bulldozed them from the North
C. Non-native worms prey on the native species
D. There just aren't native worms in North America

3. Worm act as biological rototillers, aerating and turning over soil. How much kitchen waste can two pounds of redworms can gobble their way through in a day.
A. Four pounds
B. Three pounds
C. Two pounds
D. One pound

4. By doing what earthworms do, feeding on fallen leaves, they have eliminated the spongy layer of orgainc "duff". What problems has this caused our forests?
A. Eliminates habitat for ground-dwelling animals
B. Eliminates the natural nursery for woodland plants, ferns, and shrubs.
C. Causes soil erosion
D. All of the Above

5. According to one study when a tree leaf falls in an uninfested deciduous forest, it typically takes three to five years for the fungi and microbes of the duff layer to work it into decomposition. How long does it take to vanish if night crawlers are in the duff?
A. In as little as four weeks
B. In as little as two days
C. In as little as eight weeks
D. In as little as eight hours

6. How do humans help the non-native earthworm species spread?
A. They arrived with soils and plants brought by European settlers.
B. Earthworms as fishing bait has spread them to more remote areas of the state when anglers dump their unwanted bait.
C. Loggers carry egg sacs on their tires, spreading worms into the interior portions of our forests
D. All of the Above

7. Do all European earthworms species have the same impacts?
A. Yes
B. No

8. Can worms used in compost piles escape?
A. Yes
B. No

9 . If earthworms are already here, is it too late?
A. Yes
B. No

What can we do to help?
• Don’t dump your worms in the woods
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
• If you have a compost pile in a forested area, do not introduce additional non-native earthworms.
• Don't transplant plants and trees into remote wooded areas
• Anything that moves dirt can move worms, use good "hygiene" when recreating and traveling through remote areas.
• Tell others "the dirt" on invasive earthworms in Wisconsin

Learn more at Great Lakes Worm Watch