Ok, hang on a moment; there really is no reason to panic, nor is there likely any reason to be overly concerned about the flatworms (planarians) you saw on your property, Christi. There are a few planarian species common to your area, and they've been there just about as long as have the earthworms. Like almost all predators, the planarian helps to keep earthworm populations in balance and is a beneficial part of a healthy ecosystem.

The planarian damage you read about is pretty well limited to Australia and areas of New Zealand and the UK, and is the result of highly competitive alien species being accidentially introduced into ecosystems with no predators to control their numbers. We don't have planarian problems in North America. The planarian activity you saw was normal ecosystem balancing, nothing more.

We enjoy and appreciate our earthworms, but we must remember that part of their function on this little planet is to serve as a food source for other organisms. What you saw after the rain in NC, Christi, were a few worms performing just as nature intended. All is right with the world! ::grin::

Kelly S

Also, I wonder how good planarians are at digging. I'm thinkin' the earthworms are under the soil and safe unless they surface. Planarians could also eat slugs, and that would be a very good thing! Those planarians are probably food for something else....(sing) the circle, the circle of life!!

Thanks for all the info....I really appreciate it. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't increasing the planarian numbers by trying to increase my earthworm numbers in my garden and yard. I guess they just freaked me out a little....Thanks again. I guess when you think about it, frogs are just as bad and we have a lot of those here too...lol

How can I acquire some of these flatworms?? My small lawn is ruined every year by earthworms. I re-seed 3x per year, only to watch it all get eaten/ruined by the earthworms. I have millions of them, and can't find a way to get rid of them (or at least reduce their numbers). I would like to introduce some planaria to keep things in balance. Any ideas how to get some?

aeron, how do you figure the earthworms are ruining your lawn, chances are it is another pest which is feed on your sod, 99.9 percent of earthworms eat DECAYING matter, not lush green plants.

Aeron,

Earthworms don't hurt lawns, they help them by aerating the soil! Earthworms don't eat grass or grass roots. If you don't believe me, Google "earthworm diet". Grass won't be anywhere on the list. Something else is killing your lawn - but it's not earthworms!

Earthworms never hurt a lawn. In fact they help it. If you dont want them ship them up to me in MD Eastern shore.

DO NOT TOUCH THE TOXIC FLATWORMS! THEY are predictors from New guinea. Toxic to HUMANS & PETS feet if they lick paws after stepping on them. CAUSE MENINGITIS& RAT LUNG DISEASE !!!! No predator known yet to get rid of them! IGNORE BAD ADVISE COMMENTS DANGEROUS TO ECO SYSTEM & HEALTH!Use Plastic gloves put in baggie pour in bleach seal bag and notify your local invasive government officeTHEYVE EVEN CAUSED SEVERE ILLNESS N POSSIBLE DEATH WHEN WENT TO BRAIN SOME ITHER COUNTRIES!

I also would report this to the cooperative extension in your area. These are bad news!!!!!!