How Did They Get to Ontario?

Introduction:

Jumping worms are not native to North America, so how did they end up in Ontario? Their spread is a result of human activities, especially the movement of soil, plants, and mulch.

How They Arrived:

The first sightings of jumping worms in Ontario date back to the early 2000s. They are believed to have been introduced accidentally through the transportation of contaminated soil and horticultural materials. Once introduced, jumping worms can quickly establish themselves in a new environment.

Spread and Movement:

The worms also spread through soil on contaminated gardening tools or plants purchased from centres without protocols in place.

References/Links:

Pheretimoid jumping worms confirmed to be in Ontario; can destroy topsoil https://www.cleannorth.org/2021/10/06/pheretimoid-jumping-worms-confirmed-to-be-in-ontario-can-destroy-topsoil

Ontario Master Gardeners: Jumping Worms Introduction https://haltonmastergardeners.com/2022/04/15/invasive-jumping-worms-information-for-home-gardeners/

CBC News: Earthworm Problem in Ontario https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jumping-worms-toronto-spread-1.6863841

New film: My Forest Has Worms, New England Forests by Ecologist Robert Asselin 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xvkIDs3zQk

"Non-native earthworms: Entering the second wave of invasion" webinar with Dr. Michael McTavish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqXFVWzXSsI