Pupation occurs inside the case. The eggs are found on crevices, cracks, and joints of doors, walls, and baseboards. When many homeowners see these insects, theyll instinctively sweep them off the wall and call it a day. After a month-long metamorphosis process, the moths will ditch their casing and search for males to mate. Inside the bag the caterpillar transforms to the moth stage. They have very basic needs and will just need some food to sustain themselves. 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. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as Tineola walsinghami. Pheno Forecast maps predict key life cycle stages in invasive and pest species, to improve management efficacy. Plus, its a lot safer compared to chemical compounds which often leave behind nasty and dangerous residues. My bathroom, all rooms, living room, kitchen Im desperate to get rid of them but they keto coming out. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. They dont scavenge for the same things as cockroaches and other common pests, so theyre free to live in their own little bubble undetected. And thats why they can suddenly show up in huge numbers. Work with the birds that are already in your neighborhood and find out how to get more for them to your garden. After mating the female lays 500 to 1000 eggs within her bag and then she dies. Theyre either on the floor crawling or on the walls . The silk lining allows orifices at both ends. 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. These funky insects can be quite annoying, but arent too difficult to handle as long as you take the right approach. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. It is silk-lined inside and open at both ends. Original publication date September 1996. 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. There are two main reasons why you have plaster bagworms in your home or garden: These pests are NOT picky and will show up suddenly out of nowhere. For example,Phereoeca allutella(Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java and Samoa. Theyre the larvae form of moths and have two distinct phases of their lifecycle. The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. The plaster bagworm in it's larval stage, has three (3) set of legs as well as false legs. In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Aiello (1979) indicates that the number of instars may vary among individuals of both sexes. Some bagworms will eat fibers such as rugs, furniture, clothing, and other natural fibers- especially wool. Find an insecticide with any of these active ingredients: You can also use any commercial moth killer. The adult moth will merge from the case, complete with a full wingspan. Now that you know how to get rid of plaster bagworms, its time to put in the time to reclaim your home. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside. I may be able to help you out! States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Please help me. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). CRC Press. In most states there is only one generation per year. Plaster bagworms are the tiny larvae you find on your walls and ceiling. Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? Biology: This moth is closely related to the Household Casebearer, which is discussed separately and which is a distinct species. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. Due to the active international exchange of goods, other case-bearing moths may occur in Florida in the future. Like any other nuisance bug, plaster bagworms move into homes to find food and shelter. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (T. uterella). Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. She remains inside while the winged, male moth does emerge to fly about the infested tree to locate the waiting female. Then, they all hatch around the same time and this is why they all appear out of nowhere- at the same time! Any standard handheld vacuum cleaner will make quick work of bagworms without making a mess. Why you have them, how they spread, and when theyre most active. Larva: The larva is not usually seen by most people. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). I live in a condo on Miami. The casebearer (AKA casemaking clothes moth) also will make a bag for the larvae which can be found throughout the home. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 536. Plaster bagworms might not bite, but theyre certainly not a pest you should ignore. Things like deck lights, patio lights, pathway markers, security lights, and any other light source thats not necessary should be turned off. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. I still dont so This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). Entomol. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. Read some reviews. Youll want to make its secure and wont fall into the mixture and nothing can knock it over. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer Phereoeca allutella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). You mention how to get rid of these pests, but you dont say how to keep them from coming back into your house? The antennae are filiform (threadlike), as long as the wings, and are held back over the body. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. The compound eyes are prominent. Head of adult household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. 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.) Toss them right into the mixture, which will kill them upon contact, and repeat until you see no more bags on your roof! 1997. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. From egg to adult takes about 74 days on average. Plaster bagworms live in small, cocoon-like vessels that hang from ceilings and walls. Swap your outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs or just dont turn on your lights at night. It is possible that records of Phereoeca uterella might be misidentified as this species or vice versa. Pay special attention to dusty cabinets and bookshelves. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). There are many types and brands of sticky tape and traps. A fully developed larva has a case 8 to 14 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide. Bagworm 6-Day Forecast. 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). A braconid wasp,Apanteles carpatus(Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. 232 pp. I cant sleep. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. Consider hiring a professional exterminator if you have specific questions on using natural predators to handle plaster bagworms. Some people and pets may be sensitive to essential oils, talcum powder, diatomaceous earth, boric acid, etc. Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. There are two pairs of buccal appendages called palps. After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. The fully developed larva is about 7 mm long. 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. And then utilize these plants to keep the bagworms away: Whatever zone you live in, you should be able to find a few plants. 875 pp. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. ), 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. How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Carpet: All Treatments, How To Get Rid Of Ants In Walls (The Simple Strategy). Theyll eat old webs because of the silk fiber necessary to produce their case. Hetrick LA. Cover it up with a curtain or shut the shutters to prevent bringing moths to your windows, door gaps, and other areas of your home. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. The legs are also visible and are gray, silver, or white. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. well, eep up the nice work fellows. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. The dark colored bagworm caterpillars are 1/8 to one inch long when they first hatch. Apply the Bt as directed by the package directions. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. Florida Entomologist 40: 145146. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. pp. Sometimes its a day or two and I dont see them and then suddenly I Plaster bagworms like to accumulate in garages and attics where most homeowners dont have proper cooling equipment. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. If not, move up the ladder and try the more extensive remedies to get rid of them. 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. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). Either way, the final result is a light gray protective case that hangs discreetly on the walls of your home. 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. Position the desktop lamp above the container and direct the light right into the liquid. 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. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. You also may come across additional areas of activity. Of course, wasps themselves arent friendly and you definitely dont want them hanging around for too long. 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. 1979. Use as directed. Bulletin of Entomological Research 47: 251-346. But follow the manufacturers directions. Egg: After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. After they pupate, they emerge as an adult moth. Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. Thats why theyre so prevalent in states like Florida. Another microbe you can easily wipe out bagworms is spinosad. And if all else fails, consult a professional exterminator. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. Spray early in the morning or late at night to avoid the active daytime hours of bees. This continues their lifecycle and propagation, which continues to spread bagworms throughout your property. Lowering the relative humidity makes the environment less favorable to bagworms. Although this isnt the most efficient way of controlling and managing them, its a safe and quick way to bring down their numbers. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. The best course of action is to vacuum everything. Photograph by Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, University of Florida. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). Microlepidoptera of Cuba. Theyre not THAT hard to get rid of. Theyll fall into the dish soap mixture and drown because of the soap. Your vacuum cleaner is your best friend against plaster bagworms. 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 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. The remaining mouth parts are reduced and adults do not feed. If you want to prevent these flying insects from laying eggs in or around your house, youll need to reduce the lighting outside. Figure 5. There are over 1350 different species all over the world. Life Cycle Management Common name: . Additionally, if you have any tips on eliminating plaster bagworms, drop them below to help out someone else! Ive been here six years and suddenly these things started to 1989. You can also set up moth traps to catch any adults that attempt to lay eggs to stop future pest problems. This allows them to quickly reproduce and build up to extreme numbers. Moth eggs on your walls can be ridden by using a wet sponge dipped in soapy water. In Florida, this braconid and an ichneumonid wasp,Lymeon orbum(Say), were reared from the household casebearer (Hetrick 1957). The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. By late summer . 1956. The larvae can damage your ceiling, walls, stucco, and other materials over time, though this can be fixed for most infestations. Creighton JT. Put on a pair of garden gloves, goggles, and long sleeves because were going to get dirty! Moths cant help but fly towards the light. Hinton HE. XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and avoiding ones that dont. These are basic sticky traps with a scented bait that you can find at any hardware store. Theyre also not picky about shelter provided that their humidity needs are met. Be careful about leaving the lamp on overnight. Theyre especially prevalent in the state of Florida. Youll need to get a lengthy object with a pointed end to make punctures. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. They look like theyve been here for a while. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. Do some research. Bagworm eggs hatch in late May or early June, which makes this the ideal time to eradicate them. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. In most cases, plaster bagworms start their life outdoors. 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. They can be damaging and destroy significant parts of the tree which results in damaged foliage. And the trick isnt to smear them because thatll just break the egg. The thing Im frightened most about is how they appear out of thin air. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. Always try, assess, and adjust as needed. Larva: In late spring, larvae hatch and disperse on silken threads. This is why theyre commonly found in areas that are usually unkempt, like garages, basements, or attics. Required fields are marked *. Visit the EDIS website at, . Even though mating, hatching, and lifecycle times vary depending on the environment, all the bagworm species in YOUR environment should have nearly the same event times during their lifecycle. The females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. Im deathly afraid they will land on me when Im asleep so For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. Theyre known to not attract any moths and provide a source of backyard lighting. 1933. It was found in Gainesville, Florida, and has been recorded as present in the southern contiguous US, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Europe, Africa, Malaya, Australia, and other localities. Btk has known adverse effects to humans, so make you use the proper PPE when handling and applying it. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. The host plants can be a variety of trees . The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. Figure 1. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. Quick Tip: Dont forget to empty the bag or canister to ensure that the pests are out of your house for good! Currently an active researcher in the pest control industry for the past 8 years- with a focus on using natural and organic methods to eliminate pest problems. Consider attracting sparrows, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other common garden avian species to your yard. Heres a resource you can check out to find out what foods to feed. I started off with a nasty fly problem, and was very interested in finding ways to get rid of them without having to use harmful chemicals and pesticides. The cocoon is made up of silk fiber and other organic materials. Of course, monitor your tape and traps to check the progress. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and. However, thats an ineffective way to get rid of plaster bagworms because it doesnt address the problem at hand! Photograph by Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, University of Florida. 232 pp. Buy them potted or grow from seed (though that takes a long time and spending the extra money is more efficient). You can keep bagworms away by using a combination of home remedies. 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. Moth traps can help catch the adult bagworm moths and reduce the number of progeny in the future. The adults mate and deposit their eggs which over time will result in these bagworms on your walls and ceilings. Braconid wasps are effective at killing the larvae and will stop them from pupating. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Youll want to start your treatment plan to control them by doing a thorough cleaning of infested areas where you see them. Start by using the techniques listed here that you can do right away. 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. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. Figure 2. If youre trying to get rid of plaster bagworms, consider cranking up the AC a bit more than normal. CRC Press. Get a vacuum and suck up all the webs, dust, and other debris in the area, especially on the ceiling. Gently stir until you see the suds appear. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. 1956. They can also eat fungus and mold spores found on wooden structures. Youll want to focus on eliminating SPIDER WEBS because this is their favorite thing to munch on. Watson JR. 1939. Watson JR. 1946. 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. hi Anthony, can you teach me how to get rid of lizards ? Revised July 2005, April 2010, April 2014, and April 2017. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs, and other fibers are added on the outside. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. Most people will see bagworm activity during the warmer months such as August and September. You can quickly remove a ton of bags hanging on your ceiling by using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. After all, the last thing you need is harmful toxic residues floating around your home just to keep some bagworms out. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 619. 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. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer. 1957. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. The life cycle can continue until you have thousands and thousands of plaster bagworms to get rid of.