live worms developing in my fish bowl

Question
Hi. A couple weeks ago I noticed a very tiny little snail in my beta bowl. I did not buy a snail and am wondering two things. First off, I bought a live plant about 6 months ago. Could the little baby snail have come from that and was too little to see until now? Then, tonight, I was cleaning my beta bowl and was very carelful to not hurt the snail. I was looking at him in the glass and saw what looked like tiny worms wiggling around. They are about 1/2 inch long and as wide as a hair. It kind of grossed me out, and I tried to research it, but couldn't find anything. Any ideas. Thanks so much for your help.
Kimber

Answer
Hi Kimber,
Snails, and worms can come in with plants.  When worms aren't on the fish, they are usually harmless.  I would take out the Betta, and the little snail, and clean everything in the fish bowl. I would have to see it to know what kind of worm it is.  It could be Planaria worms.  Look this up to see if it resembles the worm you saw.   Worms don't usually come out during the day.  They may be more hidden in your gravel.  Wash you gravel well, or change it, and clean everything else in your bowl.  Clean your bowl very well in hot water.  Then refill it with the same temperature your betta was in, using a good conditioner.  This should get rid of the worms.  Check your plant to make sure there are no worms on it.  Maybe put it into something else for a while to be sure.  You might find more little snails, if your betta hasn't eaten them.  Betta do eat baby snails!  
Lynda