The worms are valuable to both the soil and turf. You should not try to kill them. Earthworms come to the surface to breed, eat, hatch and breathe when the soil is too wet. When they are on the surface they leave muddy castings. Here are some suggestions:
- Let the muddy castings dry, and brush them back into the turf.
- Do not keep your turf soggy.
- Maintain proper mowing and fertilisation.
- Collect grass clippings to minimise earthworm activity.
- Give the turf time to grow and mask the worm castings.
- Applying chemical products will discourage earthworm activity.
We suggest you only use chemical products as a last resort.
If you use a garden hose to wash the castings back into the turf, you may actually force even more worms to the surface because they cannot breathe in wet soil.
Remember: Earthworms are a little messy, but they are beneficial for your turf and make great food for birds.
