Emily Chan
An entomology expert from Mississippi State University named Dr. Blake Layton said that hammerhead flatworms are predators of earthworms and slugs. Flatworms track down their prey by covering them with slime to disable them.
The TISI states that flatworms can be killed with orange essence and salt. They can also be sprayed with vinegar or a combination of vinegar and citrus oil.
It’s also recommended that they are killed in a closed container so they can’t escape and continue populating.
“Placing them in a Ziploc bag with salt or vinegar ensures the flatworm does not crawl away after treatment; then dispose of the sealed bag,” said the institute.
“Continuous removal of these invasive flatworms is necessary for the protection of naturalized earthworm populations.”
The institute added that gloves, paper towels, and even a stick should be used when handling flatworms.
Afterward, wash your hands with warm, soapy water and rinse them with alcohol or another disinfectant to eliminate any traces of the toxic chemical that the worms unleash.
