New Zealand Flat Worm is a predator of the earthworm which are of major importance in keeping our soils in good condition by improving drainage and incorporating leaf litter and are a source of food for many animals and birds. The flatworm has been known to reduce the population of earthworms to below detectable levels.

They thrive in cool, damp conditions, usually lying under polythene bags, bits of wood or stones during the day. At night, they become active and feed by digesting earthworms externally and soaking up the juices. It reproduces by laying a shiny black egg capsule which contains 6-7 young.

At Dunbeag, we have a New Zealand Flatworm infestation, they were introduced some time ago probably via the community compost scheme. Before this, a lot of plastic mulch was used in the garden, this was changed to limit the habitat for the Flatworm. In an attempt to limit their numbers, plastic bags are placed around the gardens as traps which are regularly lifted and any flatworms that are found destroyed. Because of this, although Flatworm is still present on site, their numbers don't appear to be increasing. It is important if you have Flatworm to "patrol" regularly, In particular, make sure that any plants are bare rooted before they leave the site.

If you're not careful, you can easily overlook Flatworm.