Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. A fully developed larva has a case 8 to 14 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide. Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt, and similar materials. Be careful about leaving the lamp on overnight. Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt and similar materials. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932). Then, hang nylon socks with moth repellents like herbs and spices and tape them to the areas with heavy infestations. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Since webs are largely transparent and invisible, you can use a flashlight and shine it around darker corners of the room to make sure you dont miss any. This may help prevent the future generation of bagworms from developing because the Bt eats up the larvae and prevents them from spawning. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. The remaining mouth parts are reduced and adults do not feed. 1997. Follow the directions on the package at all times. The caterpillars will drag their casing along the wall and set up shop near wall corners. Then spray the bagworm and the dish detergent will enter the bag. The best course of action is to vacuum everything. Or just seal up those cracks with caulk to prevent further pests from sheltering there. Plus, its a lot safer compared to chemical compounds which often leave behind nasty and dangerous residues. If you have a pest problem thats not covered here, feel free to contact me and let me know. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. Busck A. Their eggs hatch when temperatures pick up after the winter. Pupation occurs inside the case. Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt and similar materials. Creighton JT. One end of the case is then modified. Entomologica Americana 13: 151203. The ceiling and believe me , I look! Plaster bagworms arent inherently dangerous. Its bred from bacteria found in the soil and can kill bagworms very quickly. If you have a particularly challenging plaster bagworm problem and want some advice, send us a message. From the bottom of furniture to the walls in your closet, bagworms have a knack for showing up in all kinds of oddball locations. The largest cases are about 8-14mm in length with a 3-4mm width. In Florida, this braconid and an ichneumonid wasp,Lymeon orbum(Say), were reared from the household casebearer (Hetrick 1957). Some observations on the plaster bagworm, Tineola walsinghami Busck (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). Then place them around your yard to keep the bagworms away. You can use Bacillus thuringiensis (variant kurstaki Btk), which is a microbe bacteria that are extremely effective at eliminating bagworms but only when used at the right period of their lifecycle. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. And the trick isnt to smear them because thatll just break the egg. The Entomologist 89: 4247. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Psyche 86: 125136. I thought they were joking St in my clothes and furniture but Ive noticed them in my ceiling and I am terrified. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs, and other fibers are added on the outside. Add the water and dish soap to the container. I just moved here four months ago. 1933. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 536. Latin Name: Phereoeca praecox Common Name: Plaster Bagworm Other Names: Wall bagworm Pest Details Origin: This moth may be native to Latin America and is more common in southern California than anywhere else in the U.S. Its oval and features a somewhat flat profile, which is perfect for blending into walls. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. This makes it difficult to do for a typical homeowner and should only be used if you know what youre doing. Plaster Bagworm 101: How To Get Rid Of Them Quickly, How To Get Rid Of Plaster Bagworms In Your House, 21 Plants That Repel Wasps (Highly Effective), How To Get Rid Of Skinks: Everything You Need To Know, How To Keep Fruit Flies Away From Bananas (Simple Tips). Watson JR. 1939. When used properly, you can kill bagworms in just 48 hours after spraying. Theyre especially prevalent in the state of Florida. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). The caterpillar larvae are the larvae phase of their lifecycle. Plaster Bagworm 6,145 views May 5, 2021 Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. Plaster bagworms are nothing but the larvae of moths. Use as directed. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Turn off the porch and security lights (especially at night) to ensure that the moths stay away. The dish soap easily removes the moth eggs stuck on your wall, but for stubborn eggs, you may have to use a peeler. Entomological Society of America. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified. And if all else fails, consult a professional exterminator. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. Perhaps for this reason, the accepted common name ofPhereoeca uterellais now listed as the household casebearer, instead of plaster bagworm (Bosik et al. New York. They dont bite or cause any physical pain if you touch them. Learn more. Position the desktop lamp above the container and direct the light right into the liquid. So, what about the actual bug? All have wingless (or nearly wingless) adult females that do not leave their bags, and the males are usually drab blackish shades. They can also be found on the interior and exterior surfaces of your house, and a variety of materials like wood, brick, and stucco. Sometimes its a day or two and I dont see them and then suddenly I Each bagworm generation lives just long enough as adults to mate and reproduce in their annual cycle. The plaster bagworm has 4 life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. But follow the manufacturers directions. Plaster worms thrive when the humidity is high. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. They dont bite, sting, or transmit any dangerous diseases to people. The best time to spray for bagworms is in late spring, which is when most of the bagworm larvae have completed incubation and hatched from their eggs. Then place it on the floor and grab a ladder. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. Remember that even the smallest web strand provides a complete meal for these pests, so dont skimp on the cleaning. Consider attracting sparrows, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other common garden avian species to your yard. 2000. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. Apply the Bt as directed by the package directions. The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform, or spindle-shaped case which resembles a cantaloupe or pumpkin seed. Required fields are marked *. The larva, or caterpillar, is rarely seen because it spends most of its time inside that protective casing. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. Youll often find 1-2 spindle bags hanging from the twigs. This is best used for bagworms found in plants and trees. Like any other nuisance bug, plaster bagworms move into homes to find food and shelter. Try a few of them out and see what works best for you. Put on a pair of garden gloves, goggles, and long sleeves because were going to get dirty! Thats just a waste of time, and probably impossible. Its very easy to make and you probably already have the necessary materials lying around your home! Most people will see bagworm activity during the warmer months such as August and September. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). So then I created this site to share everything Ive learned over the years (and continuing to learn)- natural solutions that are proven to work against the bug thats bugging you! Watson (1939) corroborated the preference of Pjerepeca uterella for woolen goods of all kinds. 1933. If you see a lot of worms caught, thats a sign that you have plenty of bags around and you should add other methods to get rid of them. 1979. The thing Im frightened most about is how they appear out of thin air. BC Pest Control is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The hindwings are just a solid gray or dark brown color with no patterning. pp. Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service | Orkin In the fall, you can actually go around and pick the sacks off the trees yourself. Upon hatching, the entire lifecycle of the plaster bagworm can be completed in about 2-3 months. Crawling insects are not effective because they rarely go upside down on your ceiling and have the ability to puncture the casing of the larvae bagworm. Your feedback is how I write more improved and detailed pest guides. When many homeowners see these insects, theyll instinctively sweep them off the wall and call it a day. Boca Raton. Bulletin No. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. Theres no need to use it during the daytime because moths are nocturnal (active at night). However, theyre still larvae destined to become moths. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. Dont overdo it- just as long as the mixture is even should be good enough. Some bagworm species are parthenogenetic, meaning their eggs develop without male fertilization. Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. Thats because when they pupate, youll see BOTH ends of the case cemented to a vertical surface. The plaster bagworm in it's larval stage, has three (3) set of legs as well as false legs. Its a chain reaction, but a catch-22 at the same time. These compounds are effective at making quick work of bagworms and preventing future infestations. Pay special attention to dusty cabinets and bookshelves. For example,Phereoeca allutella(Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java and Samoa. But for everything else, they should be a minimal threat. Borror DJ, Triplehorn CA, Johnson NF. So the dish soap actually will slip right off and wont kill the bagworm if you spray it directly. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. Abandoned webs are one of the prime food sources of bagworms. Cases can be found on wool rugs and wool carpets, hanging on curtains, or underneath buildings, hanging from subflooring, joists, sills and foundations; on the exterior of buildings in shaded places, under farm sheds, under lawn furniture, on stored farm machinery and on tree trunks. As a result, large populations of plaster bagworms can become a massive problem for Floridians. Note that spinosad is dangerous to bees and will kill them quickly. Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. 1979. What is the life cycle of a plaster Bagworm? Survival is the main priority, and houses provide everything that they need to prosper. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. The household casebearer,Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. In most states there is only one generation per year. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterellaWalsingham. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. Once the eggs hatch, the larva spins a silk strand that hangs down it. Meanwhile, hooked false legs help it turn around inside the casing. 1956. The larvae create their silk case after hatching and will forage for food, such as organic detritus and debris found within your house. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs and other fibers are added on the outside. You dont need to make a huge hole in it. Hetrick (1957) observed the insect in many parts of Florida and Louisiana, as well as USDA records of the household casebearer from Mississippi and North Carolina. Florida Entomologist 40: 145146. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. Life cycle of bagworms The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. The antennae are filiform (threadlike), as long as the wings, and are held back over the body. Youre getting rid of plaster bagworms by getting rid of OTHER pests first. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as T. walsinghami. Each constructs a small bag around its hind parts with silk and plant material. So, you need to get rid of plaster bagworms in your house. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. Plaster Bagworm Life Cycle Plaster bagworms start as caterpillar-like larvae that hatch in the early summer. The dark colored bagworm caterpillars are 1/8 to one inch long when they first hatch. Ive been here six years and suddenly these things started to Bagworm is a caterpillar that molts into a moth in the adult stage. Theyre also found in South America and other southern countries. Hello t all, the contents existing at this site are really awesome for people knowledge, It is commonly known as the plaster bagworm but as the term "bagworm" more properly refers to moths of a different family ( Psychidae ), it is often called the household casebearer - which may in turn refer to the related Phereoeca allutella. However, regular cleaning practices, increased use of air conditioning in houses, and reduced number of woolen goods in this part of the country, along with pesticide application in cracks and crevices for household pest control, have decreased the incidence of the household casebearer. Since there are many different types of bagworm species, this depends on the type youre dealing with. Webs can be found on the roof, walls, corners, baseboards, cracks, foundation, and more. Once the larvae hatch, the larvae begin to spin a silk strand and hang down from it. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. 200 eggs may be laid by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. Moth traps can help catch the adult bagworm moths and reduce the number of progeny in the future. Theyre mainly attracted to a stable food source with minimal disturbances. They are gray with up to four spots on the fore wings, and a brush of long, lighter gray hair-like scales along the posterior margin of the hind wings. For instance, this video combines the two terms and uses them synonymously: Note that bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae, while household casebearers are moths in the Tineidae family. The moth larva is protected from the elements through the case and can be found enclosed within the material. Not only will it lower the ambient temperatures inside, but itll also continually work to remove moisture from the air. The larva is not usually seen by most people. How do you get rid of moth eggs on the wall? Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. 39-43. Well, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension, these wasps live for only two weeks (remember, not where they can cause contamination, sting, or bite, but inside of bagworm eggs), and die shortly after. The complete life cycle of plaster bagworms contains 6-7 instars and takes about 40-50 days to complete. How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Carpet: All Treatments, How To Get Rid Of Ants In Walls (The Simple Strategy). Any place where spiderwebs accumulate will become a feasting ground for plaster bagworms. Be sure to use the right food for the right bird species. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. Adult male household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. There are over 1350 different species all over the world. While they might be small, a large population can wreak havoc on all of your prized garments. Other Common Names Eastern Bagworm Common Basket Worm North American Bagworm Size Wingspan of males: about 1 inch. The larva has true legs and will emerge from the case to walk across surfaces, dragging the case with it like a snail. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. Do some research. They mate during the peak season and the larvae will overwinter in their bags so they survive the winter. Kea (1933) could not observe this insect feeding on dried insects in the laboratory, even though small portions of dried insects were found attached to its case. He also assumed that this species might be present in the coastal areas of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Dont scrub up and down. Things like deck lights, patio lights, pathway markers, security lights, and any other light source thats not necessary should be turned off. Its when they mature into adult moths that they move inside and start a new generation. Up to 200 eggs can be deposited over a single week. These are basic sticky traps with a scented bait that you can find at any hardware store. Remember, these bugs thrive in warm and humid environments. And dont release pressure at any point. The larva is a caterpillar that carries the case/bag along with it as it forages. Hetrick (1957) observed the insect in many parts of Florida and Louisiana, as well as USDA records of the household casebearer from Mississippi and North Carolina. Theyll eat old webs because of the silk fiber necessary to produce their case. Check the. You can also make your own moth trap at home. 1997. The host plants can be a variety of trees . And theres no shame in doing this if the service is good and the price is fair. Plaster bagworms arent picky about their food source and will eat any organic matter left behind. Sparrows are commonly chosen because theyre easy to attract and have a wide dispersion across the US. Watson JR. 1946. There are some that believe that the real legs help it walk on floors, while the false legs that have hooks on the ends allow it to walk inside its protective case. Adult: Adult females have a wing span 10 to 13 mm long. Insect Management Guide for Bagworms and Clothes Moths (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG090). In fact, one female wasp can kill up to 300 bagworm eggs within its short 7 to 14 day lifespan. This stops the bags from getting up your walls. Stand back and assess. To address the wool problem, keep all of your items in sealed plastic bags. 1003 pp. This will help deter and repel bagworms naturally. States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). Get some quotes. This is when the bag usually sits on a vertical ledge youll commonly see it stuck to your walls. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Plaster bagworms are found in coaster states where temperatures are high and humidity is prevalent. Now that you know how to get rid of plaster bagworms, its time to put in the time to reclaim your home. The insect might use nearby lint, sand, or even dry plaster debris. Kea (1933) could not observe this insect feeding on dried insects in the laboratory, even though small portions of dried insects were found attached to its case. They roam around with their cases in search of food - random debris, spiderwebs, fabrics, plaster, and even furniture. Plaster bagworms are not harmful to humans. Follow the directions from the manufacturer and see if it helps get rid of the plaster bagworms. Microlepidoptera of Cuba. One end of the case is then modified. It can be found under spiderwebs, in bathrooms, bedrooms and garages. If spiders have nothing to eat, then they wont spin a web. They are easiest to identify by the bags they construct as they feed. After the first case has been built, the larvae will move around and pull the case. Dehumidifiers are often placed in basements, but there are other use cases for them, such as in closets where you store damp clothes or other smaller areas where too much moisture can cause a problem such as bathrooms, RVs, boats, and more. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. Females are bigger and wider while males are smaller and thinner. The larvae can damage your ceiling, walls, stucco, and other materials over time, though this can be fixed for most infestations. Entomologica Americana 13: 151-203. Buy them potted or grow from seed (though that takes a long time and spending the extra money is more efficient). Plaster bagworms have a diet of wool, spiderwebs, and even the discarded cases of other bagworms. Read some reviews and buy one, then use it as directed. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. Have the soapy water spray everywhere . And if you found this page helpful, consider telling a friend or just letting me know. Birds are also an effective means of managing bagworm populations. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). Go ahead and mix a bucket full of water and a few drops of dish soap. 2000. The bag will usually have a mixture of soil, felt, woolens, hair, sand, feces, fibers, and other debris they harvest from your home. Plaster bagworms can destroy pricey wool and natural-fiber items. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. Also, unsuspecting guests wont even know the real reason for those plants and will never even hint that you have a bagworm infestation in your home! The soap adds a high surface tension to the water, which makes it very difficult for them to escape once they land in it. Hinton HE. How to Get Rid of Plaster Bagworms Naturally (Home Remedies), But for everything else, they should be a minimal threat. You dont want to harm them as theyre a beneficial insect. 1956. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. Some bagworms will eat fibers such as rugs, furniture, clothing, and other natural fibers- especially wool. Creighton JT. The larvae will emerge from their case and walk around bringing the case alongside them. If no web is spun, then bagworms have nothing to eat. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. The eggs hatched and the larvae created those infamous silk bags you see all over the place. You mention how to get rid of these pests, but you dont say how to keep them from coming back into your house? Case of household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and avoiding ones that dont. Aiello A. Three sets of legs help the caterpillar walk on horizontal surfaces. The larva has three pair of well-developed, brown legs. The winters cold weather kills both adult male and female plaster bagworms, but the larvae overwinter by hiding. Kea JW. If not, move up the ladder and try the more extensive remedies to get rid of them. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. 156, new series. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. There are many types and brands of sticky tape and traps. Any standard handheld vacuum cleaner will make quick work of bagworms without making a mess. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). The adults mate around the same time, which means the larvae eggs are deposited simultaneously.