Horsehair worms are principally round worms which are seen as threads, like the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. They can easily grow larger than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They are never found 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 regions of the world. Unlike the other worms these are undamaging in nature and do not damage plants neither do they harm animals or humans.
They are 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 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 water 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. There are two scientific theories which explain the maturation phenomena of the eggs into the larvae. They first appear to be white in color, there after 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 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 delve into these insects which come near the plants to absorb nutrients. This continues till they are mature enough. One they are completely matured they no longer stay in the body of the host. On the basis of 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 matured . Once these immature insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would emerge out from the body of the host. However , whatsoever theory one accepts, the host is bound 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 prevent 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 seen in homes is when the larger insects which act as a host to them are crushed or killed within homes or gardens. One can avoid their entrance into homes by using barricades or by sealing the cracks. By doing this you would be able to decrease the entry of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within 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. Believe this at your own risk!