Invasive “Jumping Worm” Found in Colorado

We've all heard of invasive species in Colorado. When it comes to invasive species, many think of creepy crawly things like insects. However, we have one to tell you about that is a bug of sorts, but not an insect or arachnid.

According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, a newly confirmed invasive pest has been found in Colorado. The newly discovered pest is a worm. Looking quite a bit like the earthworms we've all seen in Colorado, this one is much different.

What Is the Asian Jumping Worm?

The Asian Jumping Worm is a group of aggressive, invasive earthworms that are spreading across the United States and is now in Colorado. These invasive worms also go by the names crazy worms, snake worms, and Georgia Jumpers, due to their behavior.

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Reports have been received for the Asian Jumping Worm from Boulder to Castle Rock, and the first detection was confirmed in October 2025, in the Hilltop Neighborhood of Denver.

Why These Worms Are Dangerous to Colorado

The Asian Jumping Worm poses a significant threat ecologically due to the fact that the worms can change the structure and health of the soil where the worms are living. These worms can quickly eat organic matter and leaf litter, stripping the critical layer that native plants need to survive.

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The Asian Jumping Worm also only lives on the surface of the soil, in leaf litter. This means that there is no aeration to the surrounding soil or infultration of water into the ground like our typical earthworms provide.

Can They Be Stopped?

Currently, the Colorado Department of Agriculture does not have any effective methods for the eradication of the Asian Jumping Worm. Physical removal of the invasive worms is the only source of action.

For more information on the Asian Jumping Worm, what to look for, and how to protect your lawn and soil, visit ag.colorado.gov to learn more.