Horsehair worms are basically round worms which can be seen as threads, resembling the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They can easily grow greater than one foot long (approximately 0.3 meters). They One can never find them alone; instead they remain entwined with each other resembling a loose ball, very much like 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 areas of the world. Unlike the other worms these are not dangerous in nature and do not damage plants neither do they cause harm 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 in the rainy seasons . In few occasions they can also be found on the soaked 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 linked 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 process of the eggs into the larvae. They appear first to be white in color, after which they turn yellowish or into dark chocolate color.
On the basis of the first theory of maturation, the larva attaches itself to the plants found near the ponds. When the level of water recedes then the other insects like crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, etc would look around for 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 process continues till they are mature enough. One they are fully grown 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 fully grown . Once these tiny insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would appear out from the body of the host. Nonetheless, whatsoever theory one accepts, the host is sure to die once the worm goes away from its body.
Horsehair worms are beneficial in keeping a control on the amount of cockroaches, grasshoppers, centipedes, and other kinds of related pests which causes destruction 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 avert 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 presence 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 entry 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 takes life by some mysterious reasons, which take the form of horsehair worms, and so named the same. Accept this at your own risk!