Horsehair worms are principally round worms which are like threads, like the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They are able to grow larger than one foot long (approximately 0.3 meters). They One can never find them alone; instead they remain intertwined with each other looking 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 regions 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.
It is normally found mostly in ponds, channels, lakes, etc where there is animals inhabitation . They are also found in water-dishes of pets, swimming –pools, bird-baths and also in side-walk puddles in seasons of 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 moisture 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 scientific theories which explain the maturation process of the eggs into the larvae. They appear first to be white in color, afterwards 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 search for bare and exposed plants to have them as food. The larva would then takes 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 grown up completely they leave 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 immature insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would come 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 amount 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 remove them . To avert the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them often.
Some think that the Horsehair worm which are found within homes are due to the incidence of internal parasites. But in reality it is not so. The sole 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 entry into homes by using barricades or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to reduce the entrance of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm inside them. One funny 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. Trust this at your own risk!