Hammerhead Worm Spotted In The Lake Area

A worm with a flat head is being reported by some gardeners in the Lake Area.

Horticulturist Kelly McGowan with the University of Missouri Extension says the worm is a top-level predator and will eat anything in its path, but that’s usually earthworms.

The hammerhead worm gets its name from the shape of its head and it leaves a trail of mucus and excrement.

It prefers cool, dark places and gardeners can get rid of the worm by heating up the soil to 93 degrees for 5 minutes.

But it the hammerhead worm does survive freezing temperatures.