Why do earthworms come out on the streets and sidewalks at this time of the year and not at any other time?

Question

For all of you runners & walkers out there, do you notice that the big fat earthworms leave the nice cool ground & come out on the street and sidewalk during June & July? I've even tried to put them back in the grass, but they seem to be determined to get out on the pavement. Are they being food for the birds and such? Is it just a normal part of the food chain or what? This has stumped me for many years.

Answer 1

Of course the part about this being the active time of year for all insects is true, but I have also always heard that when it rains hard enough, earthworms have to come above ground. The rain fills the normal spaces between the dirt that allow the earthworm to get oxygen, so they come up to breath, and sometimes they just don't make it back.

Answer 2

It's mainly the moisture in the air and warmer weather. Worms "flock" to moisture on the pavement, sidewalks, etc. It's a part of their natural instinct. The warmer weather also is prime time for earthworms as they, like most insects, come out from "hibernation."

Answer 3

It depends on where you are:

Here in Louisiana they do it because of moisture, or rather, lack of moisture. (No rain in a while). In other places they do it because they are distressed due to overheating, rain, etc.

Both of these things happen during the summer season. (Rain and heat... Unless you live somewhere out west, where the latter is the most likely candidate.)

Answer 4

when it rains the soil is permiated by water. if the worm stays there it drowns. it happens almost year round...

Answer 5

because it gets to hot in the groung and they need other sources of moisture