Insects infected with horsehair worms die as a result of the parasite. Horsehair worms are white when they first emerge from the host's body. Another name for horsehair worm is Gordian worm. Horsehair worms resemble hairs from horses actively moving in the water. A superstition once surrounding this species held that the worms in water troughs and puddles had miraculously come to life from the long, thin hairs of a horse's mane or tail that had fallen into the water.
Horsehair worms are completely harmless.
They do not infest people, livestock, pets or plants. They are beneficial because of the small percentage of crickets that they kill. No control measures are needed when this interesting worm is found. It may or may not apply in your area. Prepared by Donald Lewis , Extension Entomologist.