You might also find them hanging off of exterior stucco, near outdoor lights, or underneath chairs and benches. This will help deter and repel bagworms naturally. Also, apply sticky traps outdoors to catch any adult moths. As mentioned earlier, these bugs dont eat cotton or nylon. 156, new series. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). The adult female will deposit hundreds of eggs which hatch into larvae. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. The larva has three pair of well-developed, brown legs. until they pupate. The plaster bagworm often is confused with the household casebearer. ), They dont do anything but attract flying pests, burn electricity, and attract spiders which spin webs nearby (which may be why you have a bunch of. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Apply the Bt as directed by the package directions. Perhaps for this reason, the accepted common name ofPhereoeca uterellais now listed as the household casebearer, instead of plaster bagworm (Bosik et al. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. The plaster bagworm has 4 life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Theyre not THAT hard to get rid of. Egg: In late summer and fall, the female lays up to 1,000 eggs in her case. States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. Use your machines attachments to suck up spiderwebs and plaster bagworm sacs as you see them. The eggs of the bagworms hatch around the springtime. EENY003/IN129: Household Casebearer, Phereoeca uterella (=dubitatrix But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". The crochets are used to walk inside the case, and also to grab the case when the larva pulls its head and thorax out and uses its true legs to walk on the floor or walls. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. Its bred from bacteria found in the soil and can kill bagworms very quickly. Hinton HE. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. And then utilize these plants to keep the bagworms away: Whatever zone you live in, you should be able to find a few plants. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. No method is as simple, free, and convenient as removing them by hand. 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. Always try, assess, and adjust as needed. On the top and bottom of the oval-shaped case, theres a slit-like opening. Scales are also visible. Bagworm eggs hatch in late May or early June, which makes this the ideal time to eradicate them. The plaster bagworm in it's larval stage, has three (3) set of legs as well as false legs. Thats because when they pupate, youll see BOTH ends of the case cemented to a vertical surface. Theyre the larvae form of moths and have two distinct phases of their lifecycle. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Read some reviews. Observations on species of Lepidoptera infesting stored products. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. Bagworms on Trees and Shrubs | University of Maryland Extension - UMD The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. Not only will it lower the ambient temperatures inside, but itll also continually work to remove moisture from the air. [6] Systematics [ edit] Ten subfamilies [1] and about 240 genera are recognized among the bagworms. The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. LIFE CYCLE There is incomplete information about the life cycle of this insect in . Theyre likely a different species altogether, but heres a tip. Each bagworm generation lives just long enough as adults to mate and reproduce in their annual cycle. Note that spinosad is dangerous to bees and will kill them quickly. Theyre also not picky about shelter provided that their humidity needs are met. Bagworms feed on a variety of organic materials. Theyre safe from the cold temperatures by hiding inside the silk case. 1979. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs, and other fibers are added on the outside. Bagworms: Identification, Tree Damage, Eradication (With Pictures) How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Carpet: All Treatments, How To Get Rid Of Ants In Walls (The Simple Strategy). By the end of this article, you should have everything you need to know to manage, control, and eliminate these pests. Plaster worms thrive when the humidity is high. Get some quotes. Dont worry. For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. Plaster Bagworm 6,145 views May 5, 2021 Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. I may be able to help you out! Control of four household insects. See 3-4 a day. An adult female moth that has mated has found its way into your home and laid eggs on your walls. Both ends of the case are identical, and are used by the larva to hide. To address the wool problem, keep all of your items in sealed plastic bags. The cases are constructed during the caterpillar stage (larval) and this is when most people notice them. Mint leaves have been known to repel moths and you can utilize this to your advantage by placing them around your home and garden. 1989. The larvae of all create protective cases out of plant materials or other debris. You dont want to harm them as theyre a beneficial insect. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. Watson JR. 1946. Entomologica Americana 13: 151-203. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. well, eep up the nice work fellows. Bagworm life cycle in Kansas City. The largest cases are about 8-14mm in length with a 3-4mm width. Figure 1. You may also see adult plaster moths, which are dark gray with 3-4 patches on their front wings and lighter colored hairs on their head. Sometimes its a day or two and I dont see them and then suddenly I I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform or spindle-shaped case which resembles a pumpkin seed. This is best used for bagworms found in plants and trees. 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. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. Plaster bagworms are found in coaster states where temperatures are high and humidity is prevalent. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. 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. Bulletin No. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. Household Pests. After the bagworm eggs hatch, the larvae start spinning a silk strand that dangles down from the pouch. Figure 5. Reviewed June 2020. It is silk-lined inside and open at both ends. The Entomologist 89: 4247. Survival is the main priority, and houses provide everything that they need to prosper. 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. Life cycle of bagworms The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. The compound eyes are prominent. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. Bagworm - Penn State Extension This tends to be areas like your garage, attic, stucco, vinyl, sidings, and basement, but they can also be found in the bedroom, kitchen, and any other room of your home or apartment. It is possible that records ofPhereoeca uterellamight be misidentified as this species or vice versa. Anything below 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit should be more than enough to deter plaster bagworms from coming in. The case that it carries around wherever it feeds is what is immediately recognized. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. How to get rid of Bagworms | Bagworm Control Guide - DoMyOwn.com Bagworm 6-Day Forecast. Now that you know how to get rid of plaster bagworms, its time to put in the time to reclaim your home. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. However, proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than P. uterella might be in those states. Please help. This explains why theyre commonly found in environments with already high moisture content such as Florida and other coastal states. Theyll fall into the dish soap mixture and drown because of the soap. Without any food to survive, plaster bagworms have no choice but to vacate your home and look elsewhere for food. If you live in the South, you know the stark difference a powerful air conditioner can make. Get into cracks and crevices and clean up all the organic matter wedged in there over time. All have wingless (or nearly wingless) adult females that do not leave their bags, and the males are usually drab blackish shades. When disturbed, it encloses itself in the case by pulling the bottom side up. The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. 1954. Spray when the bags are smaller than 0.5 and are visibly feeding. Life Cycle. You can also make your own moth trap at home. 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. The maxillary palps are smaller than the labial palps, and are folded inwards. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. The eggs look like small blue ovals with a pale tint and are less than 0.5mm in length. Bagworms move about freely to feed, and they carry their bags with them. While they might be small, a large population can wreak havoc on all of your prized garments. 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! Quick Tip: If you have a lot of wool clothing, dont be surprised if you find them destroying it. Moth traps can help catch the adult bagworm moths and reduce the number of progeny in the future. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. The silk lining allows orifices at both ends. The larvae of the species of Tineidae of economic importance. After mating the female lays 500 to 1000 eggs within her bag and then she dies. The cases are constructed by the larval (caterpillar) stage and often attract attention when found in homes. Female adults will keep their bags, which has her pupal case and this is where the eggs are deposited. They crawl around and forage for food (debris, detritus, webs, wool, fabrics, furniture, etc.) Plus, you dont have to deal with the bug guts if you squish one yourself. Plaster bagworm, the destructive household pest The white-grey cocoon-like things on your walls and ceilings can cause damage to your belongings and should be removed to prevent infestation.. Adult male household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (Tineola uterella). Busck A. Take the container and put it somewhere that you commonly see bagworm moths- this can be outdoors or indoors like your garage, basement, bedroom, etc. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. by finding a recipe online, Eliminating crawl spaces, cracks, and other points of entry, Sealing up foundational or structural damage, Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your property, Using talcum powder, baby powder, or boric acid in common areas of spider infestation, The key is to only plant whats in season and grows in your hardiness zone. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. 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. Any standard handheld vacuum cleaner will make quick work of bagworms without making a mess. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. The winters cold weather kills both adult male and female plaster bagworms, but the larvae overwinter by hiding. Invest in a portable AC, ductless AC, or window unit to keep every inch of your house climate controlled. And the trick isnt to smear them because thatll just break the egg. They are easiest to identify by the bags they construct as they feed. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. 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). In constructing the case, the larva secretes silk to build an arch attached at both ends to the substrate. Too terrified to puncture them. It is possible that records of Phereoeca uterella might be misidentified as this species or vice versa. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. Spiderwebs are some of the most sought-after foods for these bugs, which is why they spend so much energy latching themselves high up on your walls. Kea JW. Pupa: Pupation occurs inside the case. Everything I mentioned is listed above in this guide. Plaster bagworms are unwelcome guests that can quickly wreak havoc on your home. The ventral prolegs are white, and are located on abdominal segments 3 to 6 and 10. He also assumed that this species might be present in the coastal areas of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. These bugs go by many other names, with some people referring to them as dust worms or household case bearers. Both of them are closely related species, but the casebearer and plaster bagworm are distinct species. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. The bags gradually enlarge as they feed during the summer to house the growing caterpillar. You can control and manage plaster bagworms in your home and garden using a variety of DIY home remedies. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). They dont bite or cause any physical pain if you touch them. Theres no limit to where the cases are found. The most identifying characteristic is the bag for which it gets its namesake! Life Cycle Bagworm, like all moths, undergoes complete metamorphosis with four stages. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and. The bagworm life cycle encompasses four stages - egg, larvae, pupal, and mature adult. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. 1997. Where are plaster bagworms found? - Promisekit.org This may help bring down their numbers and keep them out of your home. The wind will then carry it to another host plant, where it will attach and start creating its own bag. Evergreen Bagworm Moth | Missouri Department of Conservation After that, set up sticky traps in that area to catch any larvae that crawl across them. Introduction The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. 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). 1997. Any bags that are still alive can be killed by dunking them into a bucket of soapy water. Borror DJ, Triplehorn CA, Johnson NF. Then scrub your walls with the wet sponge. The larvae of the species of Tineidae of economic importance. Egg: After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. If you have a particularly challenging plaster bagworm problem and want some advice, send us a message. After the first case has been built, the larvae will move around and pull the case. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. The larva is also transported to nearby plants by wind. Also, dont try to attract some bird species that are not native to your area. Biology: This moth is closely related to the Household Casebearer, which is discussed separately and which is a distinct species. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. You can protect your garden from bagworms by using moth-repellent plants like lavender, marigold, and mugworts (see the list above). Microlepidoptera of Cuba. The case has tapered ends that are narrow with a bulging center. 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. Three pairs of legs are visible and it can extend and contract from the case. The caterpillars will drag their casing along the wall and set up shop near wall corners. Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt and similar materials. Quick Tip: Dont forget to empty the bag or canister to ensure that the pests are out of your house for good! And theres no shame in doing this if the service is good and the price is fair. Toss them right into the mixture, which will kill them upon contact, and repeat until you see no more bags on your roof! As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. Go ahead and mix a bucket full of water and a few drops of dish soap. 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. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (T. uterella). The differences are minimal and dont really matter for clearing the infestation anyway. But that doesnt mean you should ignore them. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. How do you get rid of moth eggs on the wall? I keep my apartment clean. Inside the bag the caterpillar transforms to the moth stage. If you do find their cases stuck on your clothing or furniture, double-check for more so you can confirm it wasnt a fluke. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. The bagworm nest is made of silk, twigs, and bits of leaves. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. They dont actually eat plaster and only get their name because theyre commonly found in plaster, walls, and hanging from the ceiling. The eggs hatched and the larvae created those infamous silk bags you see all over the place. Each bagworm spins its own cocoon nest, where it spends most of its life. Plaster bagworms live in small, cocoon-like vessels that hang from ceilings and walls. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida.