Juan A. Villanueva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo, Credit: Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, UF/IFAS, This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. An adult female moth that has mated has found its way into your home and laid eggs on your walls. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Even though itll kill the baby bagworm, youll be left with a bunch of egg debris and bagworm guts all over your walls. The case that it carries around wherever it feeds is what is immediately recognized. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932). Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. 232 pp. If you have a particularly challenging plaster bagworm problem and want some advice, send us a message. Theres no single method that always works. Its when they mature into adult moths that they move inside and start a new generation. Turn off the porch and security lights (especially at night) to ensure that the moths stay away. They dont bite or cause any physical pain if you touch them. The life cycle can continue until you have thousands and thousands of plaster bagworms to get rid of. This continues their lifecycle and propagation, which continues to spread bagworms throughout your property. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. It can also be harmful to humans, so use proper PPE and follow manufacturer directions. So, you need to get rid of plaster bagworms in your house. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. Are plaster bagworms harmful to humans? Consider attracting sparrows, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other common garden avian species to your yard. Consider hiring a professional exterminator if you have specific questions on using natural predators to handle plaster bagworms. Life cycle of bagworms In the end of the summer the bagworm caterpillars stop feeding and seal each bag shut after securely tying it to a twig, stem or even nearby structure. The adults mate and deposit their eggs which over time will result in these bagworms on your walls and ceilings. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). The eggs of the bagworms hatch around the springtime. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. These little buggers are truly an interesting pest with their distinct life phase and a big old case they lug around behind them. 1956. But follow the manufacturers directions. Bagworms move about freely to feed, and they carry their bags with them. Hinton HE. He also assumed that this species might be present in the coastal areas of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. You can protect your garden from bagworms by using moth-repellent plants like lavender, marigold, and mugworts (see the list above). Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. Then scrub your walls with the wet sponge. In fact, one female wasp can kill up to 300 bagworm eggs within its short 7 to 14 day lifespan. One end of the case is then modified. The larva builds the case before it hatches and each instar forces a larger case. This kills the plaster bagworm instantly. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. Aiello (1979) indicates that the number of instars may vary among individuals of both sexes. Never leave drinks uncapped or opened throughout the day, Use your AC to keep moisture content controlled, Reduce the number of total spiders in your home and youll have fewer webs to deal with. What is the best chemical to kill bagworms? Do you see tiny, ovular cases that look like pumpkin seeds hanging from your roof? Plaster bagworms are not harmful to humans. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. The adult plaster bagworm moths look like your typical moth. Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt, and similar materials. Youll want to focus on eliminating SPIDER WEBS because this is their favorite thing to munch on. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. Leave the lamp on overnight. Control of four household insects. This puts the power of all of them into one powerful treatment plan. The caterpillar is only about a quarter of an inch long. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website athttp://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/. I keep a very clean home and already dislike bugs so i dont and never had webs or spiders. The case is only about half an inch long. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer. Some people and pets may be sensitive to essential oils, talcum powder, diatomaceous earth, boric acid, etc. Plaster bagworms are nothing but the larvae of moths. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. You can make your DIY bagworm killer at home using the following recipe: Mix them gently, but avoid excessive foaming of the dish soap. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. Lastly, you can also attract natural predators to help eat up moths and larvae like predatory wasps (which can also help control cicadas, sawflies, asparagus beetles, and fig beetles) or beneficial lizards. Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. The eggs are found on crevices, cracks, and joints of doors, walls, and baseboards. There are over 1350 different species all over the world. I live in a condo on Miami. The silk they use can be wrapped around the twigs which can kill the tree in the future, especially if its not established. Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? Read some reviews. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside. Lastly, you can also attract natural predators to help eat up moths and larvae like, How to Get Rid of Puss Caterpillars Naturally (Ultimate, How to Get Rid of Hummingbird Moths Naturally (Ultimate, How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs Naturally (Organic DIY, How to Get Rid of Oleander Pests Naturally (Aphids,, How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets Naturally (DIY Guide), How to Get Rid of Pests on Geraniums Naturally (Fast and, How to Get Rid of Glassy Winged Sharpshooters (Naturally), How to Get Rid of Blister Beetles Naturally (Guide). Within the household, they can be found in dark, humid areas. If you suffer from allergies, the mere presence of these bugs can cause problems as well. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs and other fibers are added on the outside. Males are smaller (wing span: 7 to 9 mm) and thinner than the female, with a less distinctive wing pattern. Climb up there safely, and start picking them off your ceiling. 1933. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. Curiously enough, plaster bagworms are the larval stage of a moth! Visit the EDIS website at, . One end of the case is then modified. Aiello A. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. Spiders are considered to be a beneficial insect because they help catch and kill various pests like flies, beetles, flying pests, earwigs, roly-polys, etc.. 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. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. You should turn off or reduce your patio lights where possible. Thats why theyre so prevalent in states like Florida. This is a good way to organically eliminate the worms, but it can be a tedious project . The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform, or spindle-shaped case which resembles a cantaloupe or pumpkin seed. Theyre also not picky about shelter provided that their humidity needs are met. Spring - Egg hatch occurs from late May to early June, at which time the larvae crawl out in search of food. That said, these bugs can cause a lot of damage around your house. The hindwings are just a solid gray or dark brown color with no patterning. The cases are constructed during the caterpillar stage (larval) and this is when most people notice them. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. After it pupates into a moth, the adult moth can fly and will abandon the empty case. You can quickly remove a ton of bags hanging on your ceiling by using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. You may find them attached to branches, twigs, plants, and other debris outside with a small piece of silk. Theyre safe from the cold temperatures by hiding inside the silk case. You can use a variety of treatments such as sticky traps, essential oils, manual removal, natural predators, vinegar or dish soapy sprays, and natural herbal remedies. Thanks, She then leaves her bag and drops to the ground; the eggs overwinter. Preferably one that doesnt damage your paint finish. 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. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. You can also make your own moth trap at home. 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. Dont worry. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. 1954. They roam around with their cases in search of food - random debris, spiderwebs, fabrics, plaster, and even furniture. The insect might use nearby lint, sand, or even dry plaster debris. While they might be small, a large population can wreak havoc on all of your prized garments. Then spray the bagworm and the dish detergent will enter the bag. Reviewed June 2020. To address the wool problem, keep all of your items in sealed plastic bags. It has a dark brown head, and the rest of the body is white, except for the lateral and dorsal plates on the three thoracic segments close to the head, which are hardened and dark. Like any other nuisance bug, plaster bagworms move into homes to find food and shelter. 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. The eggs then remain stuck inside the bag, which is then usually found on your ceiling, walls, and yard. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). Theyre not as bad as dust mites and cockroaches, but allergy-sufferers can still feel the effects of their presence. The bags gradually enlarge as they feed during the summer to house the growing caterpillar. Juan A. Villaneuva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. A fully developed larva has a case 8 to 14 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide. They are really gross and now its a phobia for me. The larvae are moved to nearby trees and shrubs with the help of wind. Youre getting rid of plaster bagworms by getting rid of OTHER pests first. At non-air-conditioned room temperature in Panama, the life cycle of Phereoeca uterella (a close relative of Phereoeca dubitatrix) was reported by Aiello (1979) as follows: Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. Be careful not to scrub too hard as some paint finishes are sensitive to soap. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. There are visible black or gray markings on the forewings. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. And then utilize these plants to keep the bagworms away: Whatever zone you live in, you should be able to find a few plants. They have two long visible antennas and a wingspan of about 12mm in length. Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. The compound eyes are prominent. Bagworms arent exactly as pleasant as a butterfly, but theyre not too difficult to get rid of. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. They can also eat fungus and mold spores found on wooden structures. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 619. Rooms or areas that are dirty or ignored will be swarming with empty cases and live larvae. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Plaster bagworms are unwelcome guests that can quickly wreak havoc on your home. Some bagworm species are parthenogenetic, meaning their eggs develop without male fertilization. This may help prevent the future generation of bagworms from developing because the Bt eats up the larvae and prevents them from spawning. I just moved here four months ago. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Manual removal takes time, but this is one way to clear out a room full of bags. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. These little buggers have some other common names: Because the household casebearer and the plaster bagworms are so alike, theres a lot of confusion between the two species. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. 1956. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. After all, they can leave behind a streak of pigment that can be a pain to clean up (and damage sensitive surfaces). They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. Wasps are one of the main predators of bagworms, so you should focus on getting more of them to your yard to help clean up the infestation. The household casebearer,Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. No method is as simple, free, and convenient as removing them by hand. Btk has known adverse effects to humans, so make you use the proper PPE when handling and applying it. The larvae then build the bags you commonly see hanging on your ceiling. Plaster Bagworm Life Cycle Plaster bagworms start as caterpillar-like larvae that hatch in the early summer. How do you get rid of moth eggs on the wall? Theyre considered to be caterpillars at this point. Not sure why theyre here. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. They mate during the peak season and the larvae will overwinter in their bags so they survive the winter. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. A larva of the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham, which is partially emerged from its case and using its true legs to walk on a surface. This isnt the most efficient home remedy to get rid of plaster bagworms, but you can clean up an infestation quickly without using any chemicals. Are you seeing their bag (cases) dangling from your garage ceiling? Thats because when they pupate, youll see BOTH ends of the case cemented to a vertical surface. This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. These pests thrive in humid environments. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website at, Pests in and around the Southern Home (SP486), Pests that Occasionally Invade Structures, http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/, UF/IFAS Electronic Data Information System, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Then, hang nylon socks with moth repellents like herbs and spices and tape them to the areas with heavy infestations. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. Bagworm Life Cycle. From egg to adult takes about 74 days on average. As the worm grows it spins a silken bag around its body, camouflaged with bits and pieces of the host foliage. Do some research. Aiello A. Theyll be actively feeding on various debris around the home and you can capture and kill most of them when you spray during this time. Most people will see bagworm activity during the warmer months such as August and September. It is commonly known as the plaster bagworm but as the term "bagworm" m. Figure 2. As long as theres an entryway into your garage, basement, bedroom, dresser, shed, outhouse, or wherever else you see them, thats all thats needed for them to infest your home. It was found in Gainesville, Florida, and has been recorded as present in the southern USA, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Europe, Africa, Malaya, Australia and other localities. The females cement the eggs to surfaces with a mixture of debris. When youre out of ideas, consult a professional (licensed) pest control company. Sharyn. Plaster bagworms have a few natural enemies that eat them. The thing to note is that when you see it hanging upside down, its likely not pupating yet. Invest in a portable AC, ductless AC, or window unit to keep every inch of your house climate controlled. By late summer . On the top and bottom of the oval-shaped case, theres a slit-like opening. The larva has three pair of well-developed, brown legs. The adult bagworms will fly into the zapper and get fried. Eventually, the plaster bagworm becomes a moth. I still dont so 1957. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). 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. Birds are also an effective means of managing bagworm populations. He also assumed that this species might be present in the coastal areas of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. This is one of the easiest ways to kill bagworms without using any dangerous chemicals. These can also be used as materials for their cases, matching whatever is present in their environment. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer Phereoeca allutella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). Without any food to survive, plaster bagworms have no choice but to vacate your home and look elsewhere for food. 1979. 1997). Hinton HE, Bradley JD. You also may come across additional areas of activity. The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform or spindle-shaped case which resembles a pumpkin seed. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. Interestingly enough, plaster bagworms dont consume food crumbs or leftovers you leave on the kitchen counter. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. 39-43. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. 1933. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). Head of adult household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). Theyll eat old webs because of the silk fiber necessary to produce their case. Larva: The larva is not usually seen by most people. Spray when the bags are smaller than 0.5 and are visibly feeding. After the bagworm eggs hatch, the larvae start spinning a silk strand that dangles down from the pouch. And if you have any questions, just leave a comment and Ill get back to you. Bagworm cocoons are the nests where the caterpillars live. There are known species that will feed on a variety of trees, such as: Youll often find them eating or hanging on the twist, branches, and leaves and may appear in huge numbers. This is best used for bagworms found in plants and trees. 1997). 1003 pp. The case that it carries around wherever it feeds is what is immediately recognized. This pupal phase spans about 16 days on average. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Please help me. Household Pests. Males are smaller (wing span: 7 to 9 mm) and thinner than the female, with a less distinctive wing pattern. You can make your home more favorable for birds by providing birdbaths, using bird feeders, and placing birdhouses around the area. Theyll emerge when temperatures pick up in the springtime, so the best time to find a bunch of them is during the winter. Since there are many different types of bagworm species, this depends on the type youre dealing with. Kea JW. Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. Wing venation is very important for genera identification, and was described by Hinton and Bradley in 1956. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. The eggs look like small blue ovals with a pale tint and are less than 0.5mm in length. A braconid wasp,Apanteles carpatus(Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. You can reduce the humidity in rooms where you see them dangling from the roof by doing the following: Set up box fans or air circulators to keep moisture moving (point them at windows and doors facing OUT of the room that has high humidity). 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. Theyre mainly attracted to a stable food source with minimal disturbances. The wind will then carry it to another host plant, where it will attach and start creating its own bag. Bags of mature larvae are up to 2" (5 cm) long and 0.5" (1.2 cm) wide. 1933. Sticky tape can be useful to stop them from climbing up your walls and getting onto your ceiling. A bug zapper can also be effective for controlling nighttime moths. If you do find their cases stuck on your clothing or furniture, double-check for more so you can confirm it wasnt a fluke. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (Tineola uterella). While it might not seem complex, theres a right and wrong way to deal with these insects! Then place it on the floor and grab a ladder. Bagworm is a caterpillar that molts into a moth in the adult stage. 200 eggs may be laid by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. Adult: Adult females have a wing span 10 to 13 mm long. In Florida, this braconid and an ichneumonid wasp, Lymeon orbum (Say), were reared from the household casebearer (Hetrick 1957). Try a few of them out and see what works best for you. Appear and theyre a phobia now. 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! So the dish soap actually will slip right off and wont kill the bagworm if you spray it directly. Its a passive way to repel them and stop plaster bagworms without having to do any work. It's only the wool items you have to protect.
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