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Horsehair worms are basically round worms which are seen as threads, resembling the mane as well as the tail hair of the horse. These are capable to grow larger than one foot in length (approximately 0.3 meters). They are never found alone ; instead they remain entwined with each other looking like 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. Contrary the other worms these are harmless 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 . These can also be 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 wet 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 small larvae. There are two theories which explain the maturation phenomena of the eggs into the larvae. They appear first 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 recedes 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. As per the second theory, the larvae enters the still immature insects like mayflies, bugs, dragon flies, etc which feed on the water surface till the host is matured . Once these small insects reach the maturity level, then the larvae would come out from the body of the host. Nonetheless, whatever theory one accepts, the host is forced to die once the worm departs from its body.

Horsehair worms are beneficial in keeping a control on the amount of cockroaches, grasshoppers, centipedes, and other types 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 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 spotted within homes are due to the incidence of internal parasites. But in reality it is not so. Thechief 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 reduce the coming of the larger insects which might have the larvae of the horsehair worm within them. One humorous fact or better said a fable 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. Trust this at your own risk!