Ep 22. Worm Grunter

In this episode of Dirty Jobs season 5, host Mike Rowe travels to Alabama to learn about the unique and often grimy job of worm grunting. Mike meets with a local expert, David, who has been worm grunting for over 40 years.

Mike quickly discovers that worm grunting involves using a wooden stake and a flat piece of metal to create vibrations that mimic the sounds of a mole or other small burrowing creature. This attracts worms to the surface, where they can then be easily collected for fishing or other purposes.

The process of worm grunting is not without its challenges. The job requires a lot of physical labor, as the grunting must be done constantly and with enough force to create the necessary vibrations. Additionally, worm grunters must deal with the unpredictable nature of the worms, who may not always respond to the grunting as desired.

Mike joins David on several worm-grunting expeditions, including a nighttime hunt that involves setting up a tent and using headlamps to attract the worms. He also gets a close-up look at the worm-grunting tools and learns about the different techniques used to achieve the desired results.

Throughout the episode, Mike is his usual affable and humorous self, cracking jokes and engaging in witty banter with David and other locals. However, he also takes the job seriously and shows a deep respect for the hard work involved in worm grunting.

Overall, Dirty Jobs season 5 episode 22 offers a fascinating look at a little-known job that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned worm grunter or just curious about the world of dirty jobs, this episode is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and education.