You’ve probably seen stories on the news about the non-native Joro spider that’s expected to invade the East Coast this spring and summer. We aren’t expected to see any Joro spiders here in Kansas: it’s thought that it’s too cold for them to survive. However, one invasive species that is expected to show up in the Sunflower State is the hammerhead worm, also known as the land planarian. These little creatures are quite disgusting! Read on to learn more about this invasive species in Kansas.

We're all familiar with earthworms. These wiggly little creatures are quite beneficial to the soil. They help to aerate the soil and decompose organic matter, which helps plants grow.
Dodo-Bird/Flickr
One similar-looking creature that is definitely not beneficial is the hammerhead worm, also known as the land planarian. These worms are native to Asia and have been in the United States for the last few decades.
Martin LaBar/Flickr
They are growing in numbers and posing more of an ecological threat over the last few years.
Dinesh Valke/Wikimedia Commons

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The worms come in many colors but are most often brown or black. Their most distinguishing feature is their hammer-shaped head.
KKPCW/Wikimedia Commons
They are typically around eight to 15 inches in length and love high humidity environments. They are light-sensitive and you will typically see them out at night.
The worms are destructive to the environment, as they consume native earthworms and have no known predators.
Dick Culbert/Flickr
They eat earthworms by dissolving them with the use of a neurotoxin that their skin produces. It can be irritating to humans and animals, so if you touch one, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly!
Are you asking yourself "should I kill hammerhead worms in Kansas?"
gailhampshire/Flickr
We are animal lovers, but the answer to this one is definitely yes. These worms have no environmental benefits and are harmful to the ecosystem.

To kill them, do not cut them in half, as that will create more worms (they reproduce asexually).

In order to properly exterminate them, you need to scoop them up using a stick or paper towel, put them in a container, then cover them with a vinegar or salt solution. You can then put the container in the freezer for 24-48 hours to ensure the worm is dead.

Have you seen any hammerhead worms in Kansas? These things give us the creeps!

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