The New Zealand flatworm (
arthurdendyus triangulates) can cut grass yields by around 7pc as a consequence of their impact on the native lobworms or large earthworm, experts have estimated.
The invasive species feeds on the unfortunate earthworm and can reduce numbers by up to 70pc where infestation levels are particularly high.
Since first being identified in the Belfast area in 1963, the New Zealand flatworm is now found throughout most of Northern Ireland and much of the South.
Dr Archie Murchie of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Belfast said Fermanagh was the only county in the North that did not appear to have New Zealand flatworms.