invasive worms

Oxford, CT

This past summer I discovered the dreaded invasive worms (Amynthas spp.) in several areas of my garden where I had put down a bulk compost. They completely destroyed my sweet woodruff in the shade garden, but other plants such as carex have withstood them, and they make gardening an awful experience in general. I am searching for any success in extermination from fellow gardeners . Research appears to be in the early stages, and needs funding.

The most thorough discussions are
at http://hardyplantclubvt.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html and http://blog.uvm.edu/jgorres/amynthas/.

I am looking above all for solutions. As I read through this material, there seem to be four possibilities
1. Handpicking and killing--which we did, but at the scale I am seeing it is impossible to succeed since the coccoons last through the winter
2. Heating soil to 104 degrees--something not possible in a perennial bed
3. Early Bird (a fertilizer used for golf courses which now seem be be discontinued by the manufacturer--Ocean Organics
4. Biochar

Please post if you have had any success or insight into where to get Early Bird fertilizer.

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