Americans are facing a destructive alien invader that puts crops, other plants, and even animal life at risk.

The highly invasive Asian jumping worm has been spotted in multiple states, and U.S. authorities have warned that California should be on alert.

The aggressive creatures are being spotted in yards and crop fields where they destroy plant roots and accelerate drought conditions, creating a “nutrient-poor paradox,” where “nutrients are present but unavailable to plants,” the Colorado Department of Agriculture stated in a press release.

The destructive species resembles America’s native Earthworm, but don’t be fooled – it has earned the nicknames “crazy worm” and “snake worm” for good reason.

Invasive ‘crazy worms’ confirmed in California, and there’s no way to kill them Agriculture authorities are sounding the alarm over the Asian jumping worm, a highly invasive species that’s already been spotted in multiple states, including the Golden Sta… https://t.co/7pnl8hqJtg pic.twitter.com/4fxyJ7qSt5

— UnfilteredAmerica (@NahBabyNahNah) April 23, 2026

The fast-moving worms can reportedly jump and flip up to a foot in the air, and will thrash about and snap off their tails to escape if captured. Worse, it doesn’t need a mate to procreate, according to the New York Post, and multiplies quickly.

The worms are also believed to be toxic to some native birds and salamanders that typically dine on insects and invertebrates.

Chemicals won’t help control or eliminate the nightmare pests either, at least for now.

“Do not try to control jumping worms with pesticides. There are currently no registered pesticide products for this pest,” according to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Using pesticide products not intended or labeled for the jumping worm is illegal and can kill beneficial earthworms and cause harm to the environment.”

Folks can, however, be vigilant about inspecting the soil and mulch they purchase.

Officials say to use bare-root plants and purchase mulch of compost that has “been treated to at least 130 degrees for three days to destroy any hidden cocoons,” the Post reported.

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