Use a vacuum cleaner or dish soap to dislodge them and get rid of them. Bagworm Life Cycle. It is silk-lined inside and open at both ends. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. Btk has known adverse effects to humans, so make you use the proper PPE when handling and applying it. The antennae are filiform (threadlike), as long as the wings, and are held back over the body. Remember each bagworm you kill means a lower chance of them mating and producing more. 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. This is one of the easiest ways to kill bagworms without using any dangerous chemicals. Visit the EDIS website at, . Another microbe you can easily wipe out bagworms is spinosad. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. Watson JR. 1939. Remember, these bugs thrive in warm and humid environments. In fact, one female wasp can kill up to 300 bagworm eggs within its short 7 to 14 day lifespan. So most species of bagworms will hatch in the springtime. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932). The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. Bagworms will eat wool, but they dont eat other materials used in clothing like nylon, cotton, spandex, and polyester. Adult male household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. But they dont clean up after themselves and their web will just hang around until its cleaned up. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. 156, new series. Thanks, 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. Even if you sweep away spiderwebs, the bugs food source only ends up on the floor. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. In most cases, plaster bagworms start their life outdoors. Boca Raton. The larva has true legs and will emerge from the case to walk across surfaces, dragging the case with it like a snail. As mentioned earlier, these bugs dont eat cotton or nylon. The females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. So the dish soap actually will slip right off and wont kill the bagworm if you spray it directly. See if its working or not. Sharyn. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. Follow the directions on the package at all times. 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. When youre out of ideas, consult a professional (licensed) pest control company. Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". Remove the dead bagworm safely. 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. One second I look and nothing and I turn around for 5 seconds and one is on the floor or wall crawling. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. This kills the plaster bagworm instantly. 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. The plaster bagworm in it's larval stage, has three (3) set of legs as well as false legs. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside. 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 household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. Get a vacuum and suck up all the webs, dust, and other debris in the area, especially on the ceiling. 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 inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. 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. This is when the bag usually sits on a vertical ledge youll commonly see it stuck to your walls. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. The larvae are moved to nearby trees and shrubs with the help of wind. Sometimes its a day or two and I dont see them and then suddenly I However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. They mate during the peak season and the larvae will overwinter in their bags so they survive the winter. Theres no need to use it during the daytime because moths are nocturnal (active at night). I may be able to help you out! If you need to resort to chemical pesticides to kill plaster bagworms, heres what youll want to look for. Start out with what you have available in your home already (the easiest ways), then move on to the harder ones assuming that you still have plaster bagworms crawling around your house. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. Plaster bagworms like to accumulate in garages and attics where most homeowners dont have proper cooling equipment. Bagworms can be tracked through the different seasons. Figure 2. Moths cant help but fly towards the light. Are plaster bagworms harmful to humans? These are the protective bags of bagworms, also commonly confused with casebearers. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). 1956. Also, apply sticky traps outdoors to catch any adult moths. Plaster bagworms have a few natural enemies that eat them. My bathroom, all rooms, living room, kitchen Im desperate to get rid of them but they keto coming out. 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. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. Toss them right into the mixture, which will kill them upon contact, and repeat until you see no more bags on your roof! So they have both a crawling and flying phase. On the top and bottom of the oval-shaped case, theres a slit-like opening. They are easiest to identify by the bags they construct as they feed. Here is a glimpse into the various Bagworm life stages - The eggs of Bagworm moths hatch in end of May and beginning of June. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Watson (1939) corroborated the preference of Pjerepeca uterella for woolen goods of all kinds. The bagworm life cycle encompasses four stages - egg, larvae, pupal, and mature adult. Aiello (1979) indicates that the number of instars may vary among individuals of both sexes. There are two pairs of buccal appendages called palps. Once the larvae hatch, the larvae begin to spin a silk strand and hang down from it. Some observations on the plaster bagworm, Tineola walsinghami Busck (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). 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. 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). Fast. The adults mate around the same time, which means the larvae eggs are deposited simultaneously. Control of three household insects. The eggs can incubate over the winter before hatching into a large population of young plaster bagworms! Biology: This moth is closely related to the Household Casebearer, which is discussed separately and which is a distinct species. The case that it carries around wherever it feeds is what is immediately recognized. Also, there are many different types of sticky tapes and sticky traps you can use. In terms of shape and appearance, it looks pretty similar to a watermelon or pumpkin seed. The thing to note is that when you see it hanging upside down, its likely not pupating yet. Plus, you dont have to deal with the bug guts if you squish one yourself. Theyre likely a different species altogether, but heres a tip. In 1956, Hinton and Bradley described the new genus Phereoeca, in order to separate the true Tineola from this and other species of flat case-bearing 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. Or just seal up those cracks with caulk to prevent further pests from sheltering there. What is the life cycle of a plaster Bagworm? After mating the female lays 500 to 1000 eggs within her bag and then she dies. But follow the manufacturers directions. Creighton JT. Always try, assess, and adjust as needed. Curiously enough, plaster bagworms are the larval stage of a moth! Bulletin of Entomological Research 47: 251-346. I cant sleep. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. Bags on spruce will look completely different from those on arborvitae or honey locust because the host plant material is incorporated into the bag. until they pupate. Life Cycle Management Common name: . Does the thought of a giant moth flying out of the silk bag freak you out? It can also be harmful to humans, so use proper PPE and follow manufacturer directions. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. 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. Insect Management Guide for Bagworms and Clothes Moths (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG090). They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. These bugs often go unnoticed until populations reach massive levels. 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. 1957. The remaining mouth parts are reduced, and adults do not feed. Plaster worms thrive when the humidity is high. Due to the active international exchange of goods, other case-bearing moths may occur in Florida in the future. And dont forget about the light that comes from inside your home. Are you seeing their bag (cases) dangling from your garage ceiling? A bug zapper can also be effective for controlling nighttime moths. This is true during the period of their lifecycle when they pupate in the larvae case. Spray when the bags are smaller than 0.5 and are visibly feeding. The eggs are small and look like pale-bluish seeds that are stuck on surfaces, usually in a dark area or hidden from view. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. 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. And if all else fails, consult a professional exterminator. The cocoon is made up of silk fiber and other organic materials. Household Pests. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. Three sets of legs help the caterpillar walk on horizontal surfaces. After a month-long metamorphosis process, the moths will ditch their casing and search for males to mate. Boca Raton. When many homeowners see these insects, theyll instinctively sweep them off the wall and call it a day. The larvae will emerge from their case and walk around bringing the case alongside them. Microlepidoptera of Cuba. And once they hatch into their adult counterparts, they become moths and can fly throughout your home which can lead to more damage. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. Busck A. Appear and theyre a phobia now. Plaster bagworms live in small, cocoon-like vessels that hang from ceilings and walls. It can be found under spiderwebs, in bathrooms, bedrooms and garages. While it might not seem complex, theres a right and wrong way to deal with these insects! This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Its primarily white and has a brown head. The eggs hatched and the larvae created those infamous silk bags you see all over the place. Life cycle of bagworms The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. They dont actually eat plaster and only get their name because theyre commonly found in plaster, walls, and hanging from the ceiling. All have wingless (or nearly wingless) adult females that do not leave their bags, and the males are usually drab blackish shades. CRC Press. Figure 1. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, requires high humidity to complete its development, a limiting factor for its dispersion throughout the rest of the country. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs and other fibers are added on the outside. If you have a particularly challenging plaster bagworm problem and want some advice, send us a message. Preferably one that doesnt damage your paint finish. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website athttp://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/. 1997). The larva, or caterpillar, is rarely seen because it spends most of its time inside that protective casing. This is like an impermeable layer of protection from the elements- including liquids. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. Thats just a waste of time, and probably impossible. Plaster bagworms arent picky about their food source and will eat any organic matter left behind. 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. Adult females have a wing span 10 to 13 mm long. Control of three household insects. CRC Press. Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service | Orkin However,
This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. Bulletin No. Females mate with males during the warmer months. Put on a pair of garden gloves, goggles, and long sleeves because were going to get dirty! Each constructs a small bag around its hind parts with silk and plant material. 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. Required fields are marked *. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer. Your email address will not be published. One end of the case is then modified. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. Juan A. Villaneuva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. 1989. They tend to congregate where theres plenty of food to eat, high humidity, and minimal disturbances. Dont scrub up and down. They fly fairly well, but usually rest on walls, floor edges, or on webs of house spiders (theridiids) (Aiello 1979). Work with the birds that are already in your neighborhood and find out how to get more for them to your garden. Bagworms arent exactly as pleasant as a butterfly, but theyre not too difficult to get rid of. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and avoiding ones that dont. I find that simply using a pen taped to rod or pole is enough. Spring - Egg hatch occurs from late May to early June, at which time the larvae crawl out in search of food. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. 1997. Were happy to help. These are basic sticky traps with a scented bait that you can find at any hardware store. They are really gross and now its a phobia for me. 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. 1997. PLASTER BAGWORMS LOVE FLORIDA HOMES Prepared by Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Director Release: 02/14/99 . The case has tapered ends that are narrow with a bulging center. Hetrick (1957) found that the most common and abundant food of the household casebearer in Florida is old spider webs, consumed in large quantities. The larva is a caterpillar that carries the case/bag along with it as it forages. It probably wont move anywhere, but may nudge or flinch. They spread from tree to tree by ballooning (they spin a fine web and use wind currents to infest nearby trees). Females are bigger and wider while males are smaller and thinner. They fly fairly well, but usually rest on walls, floor edges, or on webs of house spiders (theridiids) (Aiello 1979). Hetrick LA. Revised July 2005, April 2010, April 2014, and April 2017. If spiders have nothing to eat, then they wont spin a web. Get into cracks and crevices and clean up all the organic matter wedged in there over time. The larvae of all create protective cases out of plant materials or other debris. Moth eggs on your walls can be ridden by using a wet sponge dipped in soapy water. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. 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. By the end of this article, you should have everything you need to know to manage, control, and eliminate these pests. Generally, they will stay close to wherever food is near. Bosik JJ, et al. When disturbed, it encloses itself in the case by pulling the bottom side up. 875 pp. A braconid wasp, Apanteles carpatus (Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. This allows them to quickly reproduce and build up to extreme numbers. You can make your DIY bagworm killer at home using the following recipe: Mix them gently, but avoid excessive foaming of the dish soap. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform, or spindle-shaped case which resembles a cantaloupe or pumpkin seed. 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. Specific information of Phereoeca uterella biology is limited. Entomological Society of America. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. Each molt results in a larger case. Microlepidoptera of Cuba. They have very basic needs and will just need some food to sustain themselves. Inside your house, protective cocoons can appear anywhere. Any place where spiderwebs accumulate will become a feasting ground for plaster bagworms.