Horsehair worms are essentially round worms which can be seen as threads, similar to the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They can easily grow more than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They One can never find them alone; instead they remain entwined with each other and seems like a loose ball, similar to the Gordian knot. The scientific name given to them is due to their features of twisting. And, not only by the name Horsehair worm, they are also known as Gordian worms or Cabbage hair worms in few parts of the world. Different from the other worms these are undamaging in nature and do not damage plants neither do they cause harm animals or humans.
One can find them 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 wet 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 linked 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 first appear to be white in color, there after they turn yellowish or into dark chocolate color.
As per 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 search for bare and exposed plants to have them as food. The larva would then takes off its shells and would force itself into these insects which come near the plants to absorb 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 small 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 sure 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 sorts 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 frequently .
Some believe that the Horsehair worm which are seen 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 prevent their coming into homes by using caulking or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to lessen the entrance of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within them. One amusing fact or better said a legend is that, when the hair of the horse falls into water, it becomes alive by some strange reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Believe this at your own risk!