Horsehair worms are basically round worms which are seen as threads, resembling the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They can easily grow larger than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They One can never find them alone; instead they remain entwined with each other looking like a loose ball, similar to the Gordian knot. The scientific name given to them is due to their traits of twisting. And, not only by the name Horsehair worm, they are also known as Gordian worms or Cabbage hair worms in few regions of the world. Contrary the other worms these are not dangerous in nature and do not damage plants neither do they hurt 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 during heavy rains . In few occasions they can also be found on the soaked plants of the garden and in saturated –soil. These worms mate 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 small larvae. One can find two propositions which explain the maturation phenomena of the eggs into the larvae. They appear first to be white in color, there after they turn yellowish or into dark chocolate color.
According to the first theory of maturation, the larva links to the plants found near the ponds. When the level of water reduces then the other insects like crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, etc would search for bare and exposed plants to have them as food. The larva would then takes off its shells and would delve 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 small insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would come out from the body of the host. However , whatever theory one accepts, the host is bound to die once the worm departs from its body.
Horsehair worms are helpful in keeping a control on the number of cockroaches, grasshoppers, centipedes, and other kinds 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 get rid of them . To prevent the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them frequently .
Some have the notion that the Horsehair worm which are spotted within homes are due to the incidence of internal parasites. But in reality it is not so. The sole 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 avoid their coming into homes by using clogs or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to lessen the entry of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm inside them. One humorous fact or better said a myth is that, when the hair of the horse falls into water, it comes alive by some unknown reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Trust this at your own risk!