Sasha CampbellLand flatworms are predators that can cause harm to soil ecosystems. These worms feed on beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms, which play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility.
If you’ve spotted these smooth, slimy creatures in your garden or yard, you might wonder how to get rid of them without resorting to harsh chemicals.
In this blog post, we will explore effective, natural methods to control land flatworms.
Identification
Land flatworms are also known as terrestrial planarians. They range in shape from flattened to cylindrical.
You will often find them in soil, under rocks, pots, logs, or other debris [1]. They are also commonly found in tropical regions.
Land flatworms can reach up to 10 inches in length. They can be of various colors, including brown, black, or even bright yellow with dark stripes.
Their head is usually spade-shaped, which distinguishes them from other worm species. They also leave a slimy trail, like slugs, which can help identify them in your garden.
How to Get Rid of Land Flatworms Naturally
These home remedies and natural methods can help keep land flatworms under control.
1. Citrus Oil
Citrus oil is an effective natural repellent for many pests, including land flatworms. Its strong scent and acidity can be harmful to flatworms.
To use it, mix a few drops of citrus essential oil (like orange or lemon) with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture directly onto the flatworms.
Flatworms are susceptible to citrus oil, which can kill them. However, be sure to target the worms directly, as the oil needs to make contact to be effective.
You can also spray this mixture around areas where flatworms are commonly found to deter them.
2. Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators in your garden is an organic way to get rid of land flatworms.
While many predators avoid some flatworms due to their toxic mucus [2], some animals may still help keep their populations in check.
For example, some birds may prey on flatworms [3], particularly if their usual food sources are scarce.
Some land snails and ground beetles might also consume flatworms.
3. Salt Application
Salt can be effective at killing flatworms on contact. However, use it with caution to avoid damaging your garden soil.
Sprinkle salt directly onto the flatworms you find.
You can also place the worms in a Ziploc bag with salt. This will ensure that they do not crawl away from the treatment.
The salt dehydrates them as it does with earthworms, leading to their demise.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is another household item that can help eliminate land flatworms.
Its high acidity makes it effective at killing them. Just pour some white vinegar into a container and drop the flatworms in it.
5. Smash Them
Physically smashing hammerhead worms and other flatworms can help reduce their numbers if done right.
Use a heavy object to crush the worm’s whole body. Make sure to do this on a hard surface, as flatworms can regenerate if they are simply cut or torn.
This remedy works well if you spot a land flatworm in your house.
6. Soap Spray
Soapy water is often used as a natural pesticide against various garden pests and can also be effective against flatworms.
Just mix a small bucket with water and liquid dish soap, then drop the flatworms in. They will suffocate and die.
7. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective treatment for dealing with land flatworms. Just drop the critters in some alcohol, and it will kill them not long after.
8. Freeze Them
If you find plenty of land flatworms while digging in your garden, you can collect them and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
Next, put the bag in your freezer for 24 to 48 hours. The cold temperature will kill the flatworms.
9. Diatomaceous Earth
One Reddit user has had success using diatomaceous earth to kill hammerhead flatworms [4]. So, it may also work on land flatworms.
Lightly sprinkle DE around the areas where you’ve seen flatworms.
10. Avoid Over-Watering
Land flatworms thrive in moist environments [5], so controlling the moisture levels in your garden can discourage them.
Therefore, water your garden early in the morning rather than in the evening, giving the soil time to dry out during the day.
Also, add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil drainage, making your garden less inviting to flatworms.
11. Garlic Spray
Certain plant extracts may also deter land flatworms. Garlic juice is one of them.
Blend a few garlic cloves with water to create a homemade garlic spray. Next, strain the mixture and spray it in areas where you’ve seen flatworms.
Worms, overall, do not like garlic, so this solution may very well repel flatworms.
12. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that may also be effective against hammerhead flatworms and other pests.
To use neem oil against flatworms in soil, mix 5 ml of neem oil with 2 ml of liquid dish soap in a liter of water. Use this solution as a soil drench, spot-treating the areas where flatworms are most active.
13. Boric acid
Boric acid is also an effective method for controlling invasive hammerhead worms and other flatworms.
To use boric acid, sprinkle a thin layer of the powder around outdoor areas where these worms are commonly found. Apply it every two weeks to keep them at bay.
Takeaway
Land flatworms can be a nuisance for gardeners, but with the right natural methods, you can manage their populations effectively.
By using remedies like citrus oil, salt, vinegar, and even simple soap sprays, you can keep your garden free of these bad garden worms.
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