Beware Of This Toxic Worm Seen In Texas, Don’t Touch
Look out Texas. As the months get warmer and warmer more of the creepy crawly insects and critters come out. The hammerhead flatworm, a slimy-looking creature with a broad, flattened head resembling the shape of a hammer, has recently been spotted in Texas according to KHOU TV in Houston.
Although these little dudes are native to Asia, they have been making their way to other parts of the world. Sightings of them in the United States have grown in recent years and their presence in Texas is causing concern among experts. This is because the hammerhead flatworm is known to prey on earthworms and other soil-dwellers. This disrupts ecosystems and agricultural land.
LOOK: BEWARE OF THIS TOXIC WORM SEEN IN TEXAS, DON'T TOUCH
The danger doesn't stop there. Touching or picking them up is not advised because their skin contains toxins. In order to digest earthworms, the hammerhead flatworm secrets a chemical that can cause serious skin irritations.
Perhaps the creepiest part of these worms is their ability to regenerate. If you're tempted to cut the worm to kill it, that won't work. Officials say the worm begins to regenerate within 10 days no matter where you cut.
So, what's the trick to getting rid of these dangerous creatures? Should you come across one, experts say to gather the worm with gloves or a stick and put it in a plastic bag. Fill the bag with salt or vinegar and freeze overnight. This should kill the worm.
Use some caution if you see one. These worms can grow up to 15 inches long and are usually light in color with black stripes. You'll usually find them in the soil, driveways, and sidewalk, especially after rain.
As for me, anything that's brightly colored I usually stay away from anyway. Most of the time, that's a sign that they shouldn't be touched. It could surely ruin your day if you're not careful. Stay alert and be prepared, that's what I try to do.
Hammerhead flatworms are just the tip of the iceberg. Texas is home to plenty of pesky things that buzz, crawl, and slither. Look below and see how many you come in contact with.
