Horsehair worms are essentially round worms which are seen as threads, resembling the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They are able to grow larger than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They never remain single ; instead they remain intertwined with each other and seems like a loose ball, similar to 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 not dangerous in nature and do not damage plants neither do they hurt animals or humans.
It is normally found mostly in ponds, channels, lakes, etc where normally animals live . They are also found 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 damp plants of the garden and in saturated –soil. These worms copulate during the spring and early summer months and choose humid and water filled areas like in water or in dirt (wet). The female Horsehair worm lays more than a million eggs, all which are connected to small thin threads. The egg hatches in a span of 2-3 weeks into small larvae. There are two theories which explain the maturation procedure of the eggs into the larvae. They appear first to be white in color, afterwards they turn yellowish or into dark chocolate color.
On the basis of 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 force itself into these insects which come near the plants to imbibe nutrients. This continues till they are mature enough. One they grown up completely they no longer stay in the body of the host. According to the second theory, the larvae enters the immature insects like mayflies, bugs, dragon flies, etc which feed on the water surface till the host is matured . Once these tiny insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would emerge out from the body of the host. Nonetheless, whatever theory one accepts, the host is forced to die once the worm goes away from its body.
Horsehair worms are helpful 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 get rid of them . To avoid the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them often.
Some have the notion that the Horsehair worm which are found within homes are due to the incidence of internal parasites. But in reality it is not so. Thechief reason why these are spotted in homes is when the larger insects which act as a host to them are crushed or killed within homes or gardens. One can avert their entrance into homes by using caulking or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to reduce the entry of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within them. One amusing fact or better said a fable is that, when the hair of the horse falls into water, it takes life by some unknown reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Trust this at your own risk!