The interval between ingestion and the development of egg-laying adults is 8 weeks. Untreated infections last 12-18 months, the life expectancy of adult worms. With a heavy worm load or intestinal obstruction piperazine citrate can be given through a nasogastric tube to parlyze the worms and allow them to pass with peristalsis. If surgery is needed, massaging the worms to eliminate the worms is preferable to opening the bowel. Careful handwashing is preventive as are standard precautions.
Household bleach is ineffective in cleaning surfaces as are most chemical disinfectants.
The eggs are also resistant to freezing temperatures of winter months and routine sewage treatment. A three foot high flame is generally effective and lethal for eggs.