flatworm warning

I was gardening on Saturday and came across a wee nasty, 1 inch long,bright orange and leech-like. I've just been to DEFRA's web site and identified it as an Australian flatworm. There can't be too many of the blighters as I still have loads of loverly wriggly earthworms.

 

horrible things!! There's a long thread about it, with lots of info from Frogesque, I think - use the SEARCH button at top, and search for flatworms - horrifying!! Get rid of them - they'll decimate your normal worm population, honestly!

 

Linky to thread.

Most of it refers specifically to the purplish and pinky grey NZ Flatworm but the Aussie one can be as bad.

 

Ta for that, Frogesque - was sure it was you!!

 

Frogesque,

couldn't gt the link to work. thanks

How do we get them?

 

They sure don't fly in. The most common mode of introduction seems to be via potted plants bought from a garden centre or nursery. Or from next door where they arrived via the afore mentioned route.

 

Thanks for that Kathy.

the trapping looks interesting as it can be used as a warning system.

So far its not been recorded in East Devon

 

Can't get the original links. Peri you came across them before, how did deal with eradicating them on an organic plot?
Would be nice to see some positive news about getting rid of them from someone with firsthand experience.

 

Whatever you with flatworms, don't cut them up into little bits because....
Why flatworms may hold the secret to immortality - Yahoo!

They've discovered the secret of immortality. Flatworms have beaten humans to it.

 

Oh, is that what they were on about on the Steve Wright Show, only caught the end of it.

 

Thank you for the warnings about FlatWorm - but I must say it would be most helpful if you (all) put your general location on your profile so we can see if the threat is local - and of course respond to all GC members accordingly.

a-a

p.s - Except DaveW - thanks for your location
p.p.s - And of course our esteemed Moderator.

 

Shouldn't that be lightly steamed moderator

Its a very old thread Alex, most of the posters don't post anymore & one is banned, but good point about location.

I have put a footnote about location on the rules thread in the new members forum, thanks to Pete for that suggestion