Alien-like poisonous worms, which multiply when cut in half, to attack Texas in rains
Image of the rain-flooded Texas. (Inset: Hammerhead flatworm)
The areas around Houston, Texas in the United States are being lashed by heavy rains, but the residents are worried about the downpours leading to the emergence of poisonous,foot-long wormswhich are a nightmare because they regenerate when cut in half.
The hammerhead flatworm is known to secrete toxins which can lead to skin irritation in humans if they touch it.
The worm thrives in hot tropical climates and can become poisonous for pets if they ingest it. They are known to carry parasites and are generally found on roads, sidewalks and lawns after rains flush them from their underground burrows.
Here's how residents should deal with poisonous flatworm
However, experts have warned the residents not to cut them into pieces, while trying to kill them.
Speaking to KHOU, Texas Invasive Species Institute's Ashley Morgan-Olvera said, “It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms."
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The people have been asked to instead put on a pair of gloves and collect the worms in a plastic bag along with salt and vinegar or citrus oil and let them freeze overnight.
Even after the worm is dead, people have been advised not to touch it. In case, one comes in contact with the worm, they are advised to immediately rinse the affected area with water and soap, and then use a douse of hand sanitiser.
All about the hammerhead worm
The hammerhead worm is also called arrowhead or shovelhead. It has been named so because of its strange head shape which appears similar to hammerhead shark. These worms can grow nearly 15 inches long and have at times been confused with snakes.
These worms prey on earthworms which are important for crops, gardens and natural environments.
Speaking to KHOU, Mississippi State University's entomology expert Dr. Blake Layton Jr. said that the worms paralyse the earthworms by covering them with their toxic slime before they stretch out their “mouth” over part of the body of the earthworm and digest it.
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The disabling toxin is similar to the poison which leads to skin irritation in humans and also makes animals sick. These worms are also able to reproduce asexually.
“A portion of the rear of the worm breaks off and grows a new head, producing a new flatworm genetically identical to its parent — a literal ‘chip off the old block,’” said Dr. Layton.
(With inputs from agencies)