Horsehair worms are essentially round worms which are like threads, like the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They are able to grow greater than one foot lengthwise (approximately 0.3 meters). They One can never find them alone; instead they remain entwined with each other looking like a loose ball, resembling the Gordian knot. The scientific name given to them is due to their characteristics of twisting. And, not only by the name Horsehair worm, they are also known as Gordian worms or Cabbage hair worms in few areas of the world. Unlike the other worms these are harmless in nature and do not damage plants neither do they cause harm animals or humans.
They are found mostly in ponds, channels, lakes, etc where normally animals live . One can also find them in water-dishes of pets, swimming –pools, bird-baths and also in side-walk puddles in the rainy seasons . In few occasions they can also be found on the damp plants of the garden and in saturated –soil. These worms have the mating season during the spring and early summer months and choose humid and moisture filled areas like in water or in dirt (wet). The female Horsehair worm lays more than a million eggs, all which are allied to small thin threads. The egg hatches in a span of 2-3 weeks into tiny larvae. One can find two propositions which explain the maturation process of the eggs into the larvae. They are initially seen to be white in color, after which they turn yellowish or into dark chocolate color.
According to the first theory of maturation, the larva clings to the plants found near the ponds. When the level of water goes low then the other insects like crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, etc would look for the bare plants to have them as food. The larva would then shed off its shells and would inject itself into these insects which come near the plants to absorb nutrients. This process continues till they are mature enough. One they are completely matured they leave the body of the host. According to the second theory, the larvae enters the not fully grown insects like mayflies, bugs, dragon flies, etc which feed on the water surface till the host is fully matured . Once these tiny insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would emerge out from the body of the host. Nevertheless , whichever theory one accepts, the host is bound to die once the worm leaves its body.
Horsehair worms are beneficial in keeping a control on the level of cockroaches, grasshoppers, centipedes, and other types of related pests which causes harm to crops and garden plants. If these worms are found in toilets or sinks, swimming pools, etc. then you use chemicals or filters to eradicate them. To avoid the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them occasionally .
Some believe that the Horsehair worm which are spotted within homes are due to the occurrence of internal parasites. But in reality it is not so. The basic reason why these are found in homes is when the larger insects which act as a host to them are crushed or killed within homes or gardens. One can prevent their entry into homes by using caulking or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to reduce the coming of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within them. One humorous fact or better said a legend is that, when the hair of the horse falls into water, it becomes alive by some unknown reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Accept this at your own risk!