Jumping worms are  still sold for bait and as a composting worm. Common names include Alabama, Georgia, Jersey, or Asian jumpers. Some call this a snake worm or crazy worm because they move like a snake when picked up. This worm can eat and process more than its body weight in organic material each day. They tend to process leaves and soil until the soil becomes dry and granular.

Originating from Southeast Asia, the worms are a problem in many parts of North America. These worms were found in 75 percent of the test plots studied in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park now has a regulation that no live bait can be used for fishing within its boundaries.  

In July of 2024 they were prohibited in Minnesota. Most recently they have been found in New York.  They are found in nearly 40 of the US States.The adults will die with cold weather however the cocoons  overwinter and are dark.

 Remove any adult worms you find, place them in a plastic bag, leave them in the sun for at least ten minutes and then throw them away