Our hearts are with everyone in the Texas Hill Country who has been affected by the recent flooding. Magnolia Property Management extends our deepest condolences to those who have suffered loss, and we are keeping the missing and their loved ones in our prayers.

To all the first responders and volunteers working tirelessly to help—thank you for your courage and dedication. We stand with our neighbors during this difficult time.

Please see some of the local business locations below in the Katy area that are accepting donations to support those impacted. Any and all help is deeply appreciated — whether it’s supplies, time, or simply spreading the word. Let’s come together to support our fellow Texans in need.

WORMS OF MASS DUPLICATION

By Cheryl Conley

Lake Creek Nature Preserve

If I were to say “hammerhead”, what animal comes to mind? I’m sure most of you would say the hammerhead shark. While hammerhead sharks cruise the oceans with their iconic T-shaped heads, hammerhead flatworms ooze across driveways and freak out gardeners pulling weeds.

They are native to Southeast Asia and were first documented in the USA in the early 1900’s arriving on infested plants and soil. They can be found across the USA but they prefer warm, humid conditions and have been reported in Dallas, Austin, Houston and along the coast.

Hammerhead worms are an invasive species and pray on our beneficial earthworms and other invertebrates. Because earthworms are necessary for the health of our forests, crops, gardens and compost piles, hammerheads can negatively impact local ecosystems.

They are light brown or honey colored with 1 to 5 dorsal stripes and can grow up to a whopping 15 inches! They secrete a toxin to make themselves noxious to predators, and to aid in digestion. The toxin can potentially cause nausea and vomiting in pets if ingested and causes skin irritations in humans.

Like something right out of a horror movie, if you were to cut a hammerhead in two, two new worms will form. Cut it in 4 pieces and you will get 4 new worms. That’s why it’s important to know how to properly dispose of them. First of all, if you find one, wear gloves. You can spray them with a combination of citrus oil and vinegar or just vinegar alone. After you spray them, place them in a Ziploc bag. You can also put the worm in a Ziploc bag and then add salt or vinegar. Then dispose of the sealed bag. Report your finding to the Texas Invasive Species Institute (https://tsusinvasives.org/). This organization is focused on research, coordinating early detection and a rapid response to invasive species that currently impact, or have the potential to impact, our ecosystems.

And so, beware the hammerhead worm. Just remember: if you see one, don’t panic and resist the urge to whack it (seriously, it’ll just clone itself like it’s auditioning for a sci-fi reboot), and let it remind you that even in the garden, nature has a bizarre sense of humor.

MAGNOLIA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Are you looking for a reliable, conscientious, accountable property management firm in the Houston Metro Area or beyond? Well, look no further, Magnolia Property Management has the answers to all your management needs.

Magnolia Property Management has been in business since 1999, with the emphasis being on enhanced communications between the Board and the property owners.

With Magnolia Property Management's custom management style, the Board is in charge, of the management company, ensuring that their directives are carried out in an expeditious manner.

If you would like to learn more about the company and what we have to offer head over to our About section or give us a call at 281-599-0098. We look forward to speaking with you!