New Zealand flatworms

[Aberdeenplotter]

squashing them doesn't kill them .

[binley100]

what, not even squashing them with a lump hammer ??????

[Snadger]

what, not even squashing them with a lump hammer ??????

Yeah.........you could market thet!

The Binners patent flatworm killer!

[Aberdeenplotter]

apparently even a small bit will regenerate.

[ladylottie]

This is gross I'd never even heard of them until I read this post - they look disgusting. Just hope they never appear on our lottie site.

[veggiechicken]

what, not even squashing them with a lump hammer ??????

They would be very flat worms then. I've never seen one and do not want to either so don't post me a sample please.

[Aberdeenplotter]

They look gross but they can change in appearance from being flat and slimy to being like a needle and slimy so they can get through the smallest of spaces. The fact that they suck the life out of our earthworms which do such good is even more gross. I'd confine them to room 101

[marchogaeth]

They would be very flat worms then. I've never seen one and do not want to either so don't post me a sample please.

These were new to me, too before this thread. VC, I found this link and while it's no where near as bad for Wales as Northern England and Scotland, it does look a bit worrying in terms of our part of the world staying/being free of the monsters: this was 2000. Could be eating our worms as we speak!

[veggiechicken]

Here's a map for 2006 (England & Wales only sorry). Looks like Gower and Pembroke area down our way.
If you find a live one, roll it up in a film canister and post it to ADAS. I'm not sure what is worse, finding one or packing it?

http://flatworm.csl.gov.uk/distlarge.htm

[SarzWix]

Here's a map for 2006...

Where? Did you forget the link?

[veggiechicken]

Where? Did you forget the link?

Just checking to see who was reading it! Sorry - link now added

[marchogaeth]

Here's a map for 2006 (England & Wales only sorry). Looks like Gower and Pembroke area down our way.
Distribution map

Actually top of the Milford Estuary, up near Haverfordwest/Narberth. assuming the dot is accurate. Are these ADAS confirmed sitings?

How do these worms spread once they are in a location?

[Aberdeenplotter]

very quickly . They migrate physically but if people are swapping about among plants, it's very easy to export/import them along with the vegetation.

[dominic10]

I was horrified to find this post. On the 206 map our area has lots of dots! This link gives a good picture New Zealand flatworms - should we worry? - Telegraph - for identification. One site recommended dropping them into salty water.

[Aberdeenplotter]

The recommended method of dispatch is to treat them to a bath of boiling water. Ifind they have an intolerance to ***** fluid which sort of liquidises them.