Getting rid of horsehair worms - Ask Extension
Can horsehair worms be killed or exterminated by spraying them with vinegar?
Knowledgebase
Getting rid of horsehair worms #820742
Asked February 20, 2023, 1:25 PM EST
Can horsehair worms be killed or exterminated by spraying them with vinegar?
St. Clair County Alabama
Expert Response
Good morning,
While horsehair worms are a bit unsettling to look at for most, they are harmless to people, pets and plants. We do not recommend exterminating them with vinegar. They should be considered beneficial because they can be effective in controlling certain insects.
While horsehair worms are a bit unsettling to look at for most, they are harmless to people, pets and plants. We do not recommend exterminating them with vinegar. They should be considered beneficial because they can be effective in controlling certain insects.
Thank you for your response. You really did not answer my question.
I wanted to know if vinegar will kill horsehair worms. I recognize that many living
things can be beneficial in some way, but horsehair worms in my house do not quite
fit that description. I still want to know if applying vinegar will kill those that are inside
of my house. I really do not want to use commercial pesticides.
Thank you!
Tom Prince
-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: Tom Prince <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Fri, Feb 24, 2023 9:13 am
Subject: Re: Getting rid of horsehair worms (#0090671)
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: Tom Prince <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Fri, Feb 24, 2023 9:13 am
Subject: Re: Getting rid of horsehair worms (#0090671)
Mr. Prince,
I'm sorry, I misunderstood that they were located inside your home. In that case, it makes perfect sense as to why they are unwelcomed guest. In short, I cannot find any research or recommendations that vinegar will kill horsehair worms. May I ask where you are finding them inside your home? They require water in order to reproduce. I'm curious to know if these are coming inside seeking water or if you might have an insect in or near your home that they are coming from. There may need to be a bit of investigation as to why they are inside your home.
I'm sorry, I misunderstood that they were located inside your home. In that case, it makes perfect sense as to why they are unwelcomed guest. In short, I cannot find any research or recommendations that vinegar will kill horsehair worms. May I ask where you are finding them inside your home? They require water in order to reproduce. I'm curious to know if these are coming inside seeking water or if you might have an insect in or near your home that they are coming from. There may need to be a bit of investigation as to why they are inside your home.
