But follow the manufacturers directions. Luckily, these bugs will typically leave your cotton and nylon alone. Arnett Jr RH. The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. household casebearer - Phereoeca uterella Walsingham The ceiling and believe me , I look! When used properly, you can kill bagworms in just 48 hours after spraying. How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Food From A Host? You can keep bagworms away by using a combination of home remedies. Add the water and dish soap to the container. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. 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). They spread from tree to tree by ballooning (they spin a fine web and use wind currents to infest nearby trees). Next, use the sharp end and puncture the bagworm case while its stationary on the ceiling. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. Be careful about leaving the lamp on overnight. Adult male household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. Perhaps for this reason, the accepted common name ofPhereoeca uterellais now listed as the household casebearer, instead of plaster bagworm (Bosik et al. Youll rarely find them in your wardrobe or closet anyway, as theyre not known to be, They have a suitable environment to sustain themselves (humid, hot, and sheltered), They have plenty of food available to eat (webs, dust, fabrics, etc. Curiously enough, plaster bagworms are the larval stage of a moth! Theyre known to not attract any moths and provide a source of backyard lighting. Bosik JJ et al. Males are smaller (wing span: 7 to 9 mm) and thinner than the female, with a less distinctive wing pattern. The adult moth will merge from the case, complete with a full wingspan. Consider hiring a professional exterminator if you have specific questions on using natural predators to handle plaster bagworms. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. Youll also want to make sure that you use a desktop lamp thats rated for hours of continuous usage. Introduction The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. 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. Figure 1. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Please help me. The eggs are found on crevices, cracks, and joints of doors, walls, and baseboards. See how there are multiple layers of defense to keep the plaster bagworms out of your home? They might stay on your exterior door or near a porch light. Biology: This moth is closely related to the Household Casebearer, which is discussed separately and which is a distinct species. Additionally, if you have any tips on eliminating plaster bagworms, drop them below to help out someone else! Bagworms overwinter as eggs in the bag of the mother. 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. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). How to Get Rid of Plaster Bagworms Naturally (Home Remedies), But for everything else, they should be a minimal threat. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. Res. Sometimes its a day or two and I dont see them and then suddenly I These pests thrive in humid environments. And if you found this page helpful, consider telling a friend or just letting me know. This is important to distinguish for ridding plaster bagworms because you can tell which part of the casebearer life cycle the bug is currently in. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (Tineola uterella). The females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. 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. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. 1997). Mint leaves have been known to repel moths and you can utilize this to your advantage by placing them around your home and garden. You may find them attached to branches, twigs, plants, and other debris outside with a small piece of silk. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. This means they came from an adult female moth and will grow into a moth. Start by using the techniques listed here that you can do right away. 1979. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. Generally, they will stay close to wherever food is near. Plus, its a lot safer compared to chemical compounds which often leave behind nasty and dangerous residues. Theyre safe from the cold temperatures by hiding inside the silk case. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. These bugs go by many other names, with some people referring to them as dust worms or household case bearers. Heres a resource you can check out to find out what foods to feed. Stand back and assess. Both ends of the case are identical, and are used by the larva to hide. If you have bagworm infestations in your trees, this is likely a different type of species- not a plaster bagworm. After all, they can leave behind a streak of pigment that can be a pain to clean up (and damage sensitive surfaces). Use a vacuum cleaner or dish soap to dislodge them and get rid of them. They are easiest to identify by the bags they construct as they feed. The caterpillars will drag their casing along the wall and set up shop near wall corners. The bagworm life cycle encompasses four stages - egg, larvae, pupal, and mature adult. If you suffer from allergies, the mere presence of these bugs can cause problems as well. The females will deposit up to 200 eggs by attaching them to surfaces where the larvae are likely to have a food source. Entomologica Americana 13: 151-203. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. These little buggers are truly an interesting pest with their distinct life phase and a big old case they lug around behind them. Your feedback is how I write more improved and detailed pest guides. Theyre commonly found under webs, bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, rugs, carpets, curtains, joists, sills, foundations, subflooring, building exteriors, farm sheds, lawn furniture, farm machinery, tree trunks, and even under your home. As the worm grows it spins a silken bag around its body, camouflaged with bits and pieces of the host foliage. Use as directed. Appear and theyre a phobia now. The compound eyes are prominent. Plaster Bagworm Life Cycle Plaster bagworms start as caterpillar-like larvae that hatch in the early summer. Hetrick LA. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. Finally, stick to a routine vacuuming schedule. The larva is not usually seen by most people. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. At the tip of each proleg there is an ellipse formed by 23 to 25 very small crochets (a small hook). Check the. The cases are thin and flat similar to a pumpkin seed. The most identifying characteristic is the bag for which it gets its namesake! The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. After that, set up sticky traps in that area to catch any larvae that crawl across them. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. Plaster Bagworm 6,145 views May 5, 2021 Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. The complete life cycle of plaster bagworms contains 6-7 instars and takes about 40-50 days to complete. Plaster bagworms might not bite, but theyre certainly not a pest you should ignore. Theyre especially prevalent in the state of Florida. The dark colored bagworm caterpillars are 1/8 to one inch long when they first hatch. This makes it difficult to do for a typical homeowner and should only be used if you know what youre doing. Buy them potted or grow from seed (though that takes a long time and spending the extra money is more efficient). The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. After it pupates into a moth, the adult moth can fly and will abandon the empty case. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. The best course of action is to vacuum everything. Thats just a waste of time, and probably impossible. In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Here are some additional references you may find helpful: You should now have a solid foundation of knowledge to go ahead manage, control, and eradicate plaster bagworms from your property. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Your email address will not be published. Most people will see bagworm activity during the warmer months such as August and September. 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. Watson JR. 1939. The cocoon is made up of silk fiber and other organic materials. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Youll need to get a lengthy object with a pointed end to make punctures. If you want to prevent these flying insects from laying eggs in or around your house, youll need to reduce the lighting outside. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. Photograph by Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, University of Florida. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. As a result, large populations of plaster bagworms can become a massive problem for Floridians. Spiders are considered to be a beneficial insect because they help catch and kill various pests like, Spraying essential oils around cracks and crevices (peppermint, basil, neem, lavender, onion, garlic, citrus, etc.) Hetrick (1957) found that the most common and abundant food of the household casebearer in Florida is old spider webs, consumed in large quantities. Three pairs of legs are visible and it can extend and contract from the case. You can also spray dish soap, vinegar, or essential oils for a residual effect. Quick Tip: If you have a lot of wool clothing, dont be surprised if you find them destroying it. Plaster bagworm life cycle Bagworms have a two-part life cycle. But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". Bagworms - Penn State Extension Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. The bags gradually enlarge as they feed during the summer to house the growing caterpillar. 1957. Of course, wasps themselves arent friendly and you definitely dont want them hanging around for too long. You may see dozens of bags hanging on your roof during this time. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. Three sets of legs help the caterpillar walk on horizontal surfaces. Go ahead and mix a bucket full of water and a few drops of dish soap. New York. Find one that doesnt damage your paint and try it out. The bag will usually have a mixture of soil, felt, woolens, hair, sand, feces, fibers, and other debris they harvest from your home. However, In most cases, plaster bagworms start their life outdoors. These are basic sticky traps with a scented bait that you can find at any hardware store. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. The differences are minimal and dont really matter for clearing the infestation anyway. The caterpillar larvae are the larvae phase of their lifecycle. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). The fully developed larva is about 7 mm long. The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice, or to replace a relationship with a qualified professional. Boca Raton. You can also set up moth traps to catch any adults that attempt to lay eggs to stop future pest problems. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 536. They crawl around and forage for food (debris, detritus, webs, wool, fabrics, furniture, etc.) Consider attracting sparrows, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other common garden avian species to your yard. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterellaWalsingham. It can also be harmful to humans, so use proper PPE and follow manufacturer directions. Theyre the larvae form of moths and have two distinct phases of their lifecycle. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. Interestingly enough, plaster bagworms dont consume food crumbs or leftovers you leave on the kitchen counter. This pupal phase spans about 16 days on average. Not sure why theyre here. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service | Orkin Figure 4. They may have other suggestions for the best time to spray. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. The fully developed larva is about 7 mm long, 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. Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. It also attacks certain deciduous trees such as black locust, honeylocust, and sycamore. At that point, the potential damage caused by these bugs is outstanding. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified.