Getting rid of dew worms (earthworms) entirely from your yard is challenging, as effective chemical controls specifically targeting them have not been developed. However, you can manage the nuisance they cause, particularly the mounds of soil known as castings.
Understanding Dew Worm Management
While dew worms are beneficial for soil health, their castings can be unsightly and affect lawn surfaces. The primary focus based on available information is on managing these visible soil mounds rather than eliminating the worms themselves.
Key Point: According to the provided reference, no chemical controls have been developed that specifically target dew worms.
Controlling Dew Worm Castings with Gypsum
Although you cannot easily eliminate the worms using chemical methods, you can effectively deal with the soil castings they leave on the surface. A recommended approach involves using gypsum (calcium sulphate).
How to Use Gypsum for Dew Worm Castings
Gypsum works by altering the structure of the clay in the castings, making it less cohesive and more crumbly. This helps the mounds break down and disappear into the surrounding soil.
Here's how to apply gypsum:
- Spread Gypsum: Obtain agricultural gypsum (calcium sulphate). Spread gypsum (calcium sulphate) over the castings you want to eliminate.
- Water the Area: Lightly water the area where the gypsum has been spread. This helps the gypsum interact with the soil.
- Allow to Dry: Let the treated area dry completely. As the clay dries after being treated with gypsum, it will become crumbly.
This process helps to break up the visible mounds, integrating the soil back into the lawn surface rather than leaving hard, prominent lumps.
Benefits of Using Gypsum
- Harmless: Gypsum is a harmless chemical when used in this manner.
- Breaks Down Castings: It effectively makes the clay in the castings crumbly, helping them disappear.
- Improves Soil Structure (Secondary Benefit): Gypsum can also improve soil structure, especially in clay soils, which is generally beneficial for the yard.
In summary, while getting rid of dew worms directly is not a readily available option through specific chemical means, you can effectively manage the appearance and texture of their castings using a simple and safe method like spreading gypsum.
