Poisonous hammerhead worms rising in Texas. When chopped in two, they double

The poisonous hammerhead worm is on the rise in Houston as Hurricane Beryl and extensive rainfall brings flooding to the region.

The invasive species thrives in hot tropical climates, and as conditions bring damp, humid weather to the region, experts expect the insect to emerge in full force.

Aside from the frightening thoughts of approaching a footlong worm — or up to 15 inches in size — with a hammer-shaped head, the creature also secretes toxins that can cause skin irritation if touched, and they can be fatal to pets if ingested. Additionally, they are known to carry parasites.

They're also bad for the environment as they prey on earthworms, which they paralyze with their slime before digestion. Earthworms are essential for organic matter decomposition and soil health in gardens, forests, prairies and farmland.

More: Austin Wildlife Rescue taking in 76 baby birds orphaned, injured by Hurricane Beryl

What to do if you see a hammerhead worm

As expected with a creature this creepy, eliminating the hammerhead worm isn't easy. They're actually regenerative, which means they can recover fully when chopped in half — and they will actually double in count.

“It will regenerate,” Ashley Morgan-Olvera of the Texas Invasive Species Institute told KHOU . “So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms."

Instead, the expert recommends placing the worms in a plastic bag with salt and vinegar or citrus oil — and placing them in the freezer overnight. No one should handle the worm without proper protection, including gloves, even when dead.

If touched, officials recommend immediately rinsing the affected area with soap and water, followed by applying hand sanitizer. If a pet consumes the worm, contact a veterinarian immediately.

More: Six Central Texas freshwater mussels deemed endangered due to climate change, urbanization

Which states have hammerhead populations?

Native to Asia, the hammerhead worm is believed to have entered the U.S. through plant trade routes. They're predominantly invasive to the Southeast U.S., with confirmed populations in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Poisonous hammerhead worms rising in Texas. When chopped in two, they double