You can't open up your Facebook feed without seeing a picture of Hammerhead flatworms. I had never heard of these worms up until last year. Many of us wondered if the worms were even in Louisiana when the worm was popular in Iowa.

With the rain we have had in the south people are seeing hammerhead flatworms come up. These guys can get up to a foot long.

The main reason why so many folks are concerned about flatworms is that they eat earthworms that we desperately need in our ecosystem. Everyone knows if you want healthy soil you need to keep those earthworms around.

The LSU Ag Center Has Been Warning Us About Hammerhead Worms.

According to LSU Ag Center we have hammerhead flatworms all over Louisiana. Why? Because they thrive in hot and humid weather. "So it does well in greenhouses; in tropical and subtropical areas it can spread from greenhouses.” It looks like the invasive species is here to stay.

The LSU Ag Center is Warning Louisianaians About These Zombie Worms.

"Hammerhead worms can regenerate parts of its body, so do not chop the worm up."

CBS News Just Posted an Interactional Map That Shows Shreveport Does In Fact Have Hammerhead Worms.

What LSU Ag Center warned us about became a reality. Several Shreveport residents have come out to share that they have found Hammerhead Worms in their gardens. So far Texans are seeing more Hammerheads than anywhere else.

You can see the interactive map by clicking here. 

Besides earthworms and slugs can the hammerhead flatworms hurt me?

The basic answer is no, however, the worms do excrete neurotoxins and those neurotoxins can possibly irritate your skin if you have very sensitive skin. If your dog or cat eats one or licks one they could possibly feel sick. Keep in mind the worms can transmit some parasites, it's best to avoid handling them and if you do run across one make sure you use gloves.