Horsehair worms are principally round worms which can be seen as threads, like the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They are able to grow more 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, 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 parts of the world. Contrary the other worms these are not dangerous in nature and do not damage plants neither do they harm 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 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 have the mating season 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 minute larvae. One can find two propositions which explain the maturation phenomena of the eggs into the larvae. They are initially seen to be white in color, there after 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 delve into these insects which come near the plants to absorb nutrients. This would continue till they are mature enough. One they are completely matured they no longer stay in 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 grown . Once these tiny insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would appear out from the body of the host. However , whatever theory one accepts, the host is forced to die once the worm departs 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 damage 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 avoid the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them occasionally .
Some have the notion that the Horsehair worm which are seen within homes are due to the occurrence 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 prevent their coming into homes by using barricades or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to lessen the coming of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within them. One funny fact or better said a myth is that, when the hair of the horse falls into water, it comes alive by some strange reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Accept this at your own risk!