Horsehair worms are essentially round worms which are seen as threads, like the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. These are capable to grow greater than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They are never found alone ; instead they remain intertwined 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 regions of the world. Unlike the other worms these are harmless in nature and do not damage plants neither do they hurt animals or humans.
One can find them mostly in ponds, channels, lakes, etc where where the animals live. These can also be found 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 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 allied to small thin threads. The egg hatches in a span of 2-3 weeks into minute larvae. There are two scientific theories which explain the maturation phenomena 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 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 imbibe nutrients. This would continue 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 fully matured . Once these immature insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would appear out from the body of the host. Nevertheless , whatsoever 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 sorts 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 eradicate them. To avoid the growth and breeding of these worms in animal troughs, it is always advisable to flush and clean them often.
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. 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 avert their coming into homes by using barricades 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 in them. One amusing 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. Believe this at your own risk!