Most of the biology described here was taken from Aiello's (1979) description of Phereoeca allutella, a closely related case-bearing moth species from Panama. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website athttp://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as T. walsinghami. Theyre safe from the cold temperatures by hiding inside the silk case. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterellaWalsingham. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. The fully developed larva is about 7 mm long. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. Manual removal takes time, but this is one way to clear out a room full of bags. Theyre not THAT hard to get rid of. 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. Bagworms can be tracked through the different seasons. One end of the case is then modified. How to Get Rid of Plaster Bagworm? - Pest Samurai Remove the dead bagworm safely. The cases are thin and flat similar to a pumpkin seed. But when you only see ONE end, such as when it hangs from your ceiling, its not pupating yet and the caterpillar still can come out and move around. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. These are basic sticky traps with a scented bait that you can find at any hardware store. pp. Plaster Bagworm - YouTube Im deathly afraid they will land on me when Im asleep so They dont bite or cause any physical pain if you touch them. The eggs are found on crevices, cracks, and joints of doors, walls, and baseboards. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. 1003 pp. Go ahead and mix a bucket full of water and a few drops of dish soap. Are you seeing their bag (cases) dangling from your garage ceiling? So if you have a lot of bagworms, this is why. You also may scrape your paint finish, so get in there by hand. Hetrick LA. You can buy one at a hardware store or online and position it somewhere where you always see moth activity. These funky insects can be quite annoying, but arent too difficult to handle as long as you take the right approach. When disturbed, it encloses itself in the case by pulling the bottom side up. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. CRC Press. I still dont so When used properly, you can kill bagworms in just 48 hours after spraying. How to Get Rid of Plaster Bagworms Naturally (Home Remedies) Arnett Jr RH. 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. 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. The bagworm has two separate phases of its life cycle that calls for distinct appearances. They fly fairly well, but usually rest on walls, floor edges, or on webs of house spiders (theridiids) (Aiello 1979). 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. 1957. But that doesnt mean you should ignore them. It's only the wool items you have to protect. Entomologica Americana 13: 151-203. Theres no single method that always works. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. Get a vacuum and suck up all the webs, dust, and other debris in the area, especially on the ceiling. Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. Youll rarely find them in your wardrobe or closet anyway, as theyre not known to be closet bugs due to low humidity in a drawer. Turns out, there are a ton of DIY home remedies you can do for free (or damn close to free) without having to spend money on expensive and dangerous chemicals. Buy them potted or grow from seed (though that takes a long time and spending the extra money is more efficient). Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. The key is to push down firmly on the sponge and go downward in a single motion. TQ, Im having serious problems with bagworms. Theyre also not picky about shelter provided that their humidity needs are met. Please help me. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. New York. It probably wont move anywhere, but may nudge or flinch. Well, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension, these wasps live for only two weeks (remember, not where they can cause contamination, sting, or bite, but inside of bagworm eggs), and die shortly after. Plaster bagworms are the tiny larvae you find on your walls and ceiling. And its natural. Wing venation is very important for genera identification, and was described by Hinton and Bradley in 1956. There are two pairs of buccal appendages called palps. The antennae are filiform (threadlike), as long as the wings, and are held back over the body. This is when the bag usually sits on a vertical ledge youll commonly see it stuck to your walls. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. The silk lining allows orifices at both ends. Aiello A. Watson JR. 1939. Pupa: Pupation occurs inside the case. 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. First, manually remove all the bagworm larvae you can see in your home. In constructing the case, the larva secretes silk to build an arch attached at both ends to the substrate. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. Watson JR. 1946. The compound eyes are prominent. The ventral prolegs are white, and are located on abdominal segments 3 to 6 and 10. PLASTER BAGWORMS LOVE FLORIDA HOMES Prepared by Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Director Release: 02/14/99 . If you suffer from allergies, the mere presence of these bugs can cause problems as well. Then spray the bagworm and the dish detergent will enter the bag. Borror DJ, Triplehorn CA, Johnson NF. One second I look and nothing and I turn around for 5 seconds and one is on the floor or wall crawling. Plus, you dont have to deal with the bug guts if you squish one yourself. From egg to adult takes about 74 days on average. The females are usually more patterned than males. This puts the power of all of them into one powerful treatment plan. Hetrick (1957) found that the most common and abundant food of the household casebearer in Florida is old spider webs, consumed in large quantities. Were happy to help. Bagworms move about freely to feed, and they carry their bags with them. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform, or spindle-shaped case which resembles a cantaloupe or pumpkin seed. The hindwings are just a solid gray or dark brown color with no patterning. Other Common Names Eastern Bagworm Common Basket Worm North American Bagworm Size Wingspan of males: about 1 inch. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). 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. Even though itll kill the baby bagworm, youll be left with a bunch of egg debris and bagworm guts all over your walls. Your email address will not be published. Hetrick (1957) observed the insect in many parts of Florida and Louisiana, as well as USDA records of the household casebearer from Mississippi and North Carolina. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer Phereoeca allutella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). 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 females will deposit up to 200 eggs by attaching them to surfaces where the larvae are likely to have a food source. And once they hatch into their adult counterparts, they become moths and can fly throughout your home which can lead to more damage. Some heavy infestations will require commercial pesticides to handle. Bagworms lay eggs that hatch as moths between the last days of May through the early weeks of June. If you absolutely need a light to be overnight, consider replacing them with a yellow bulb. Leave the lamp on overnight. I keep my apartment clean. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. It is commonly known as the plaster bagworm but as the term "bagworm" more properly refers to moths of a different family ( Psychidae ), it is often called the household casebearer - which may in turn refer to the related Phereoeca allutella. Entomological Society of America. To keep the leaves from blowing away in the wind, put a bunch of them into a nylon sock and tape the sock to the walls around your home. However, proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than P. uterella might be in those states. The larvae hide in the case and shield from predators. 1989. Bagworm cocoons are the nests where the caterpillars live. Heres a resource you can check out to find out what foods to feed. hi Anthony, can you teach me how to get rid of lizards ? See 3-4 a day. The maxillary palps are smaller than the labial palps, and are folded inwards. You should turn off or reduce your patio lights where possible. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. Up to 200 eggs can be deposited over a single week. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. The eggs then remain stuck inside the bag, which is then usually found on your ceiling, walls, and yard. Pour some into a spray bottle or garden sprayer and then prime it up. If you have a pest problem thats not covered here, feel free to contact me and let me know. Revised July 2005, April 2010, April 2014, and April 2017. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. I keep a very clean home and already dislike bugs so i dont and never had webs or spiders. This allows them to quickly reproduce and build up to extreme numbers. 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. However, the name household casebearer is now accepted under Phereoeca uterella, rather than the plaster bagworm. The adult moth will merge from the case, complete with a full wingspan. If youre doing this outdoors, youll have to reapply often because of the elements. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. Upon hatching, the entire lifecycle of the plaster bagworm can be completed in about 2-3 months. I find that simply using a pen taped to rod or pole is enough. Reproduction Patterns of Bagworms In the spring, the bagworm eggs hatch and each larva leaves the bag by releasing a thin silk thread and floating down out of the bag. Its oval and features a somewhat flat profile, which is perfect for blending into walls. The host plants can be a variety of trees . Plaster Bagworm 6,145 views May 5, 2021 Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Evergreen Bagworm Moth | Missouri Department of Conservation But for everything else, they should be a minimal threat. Over many months, you may end up with a TON of plaster bagworms, especially if you dont keep your home maintained. Bagworms | The Morton Arboretum Ive been here six years and suddenly these things started to Entomological Society of America. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (T. uterella). However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. Plaster bagworms like to accumulate in garages and attics where most homeowners dont have proper cooling equipment. Regardless, the techniques to get rid of them remain largely the same and are effective for both. The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. If not, move up the ladder and try the more extensive remedies to get rid of them. 156, new series. If you have bagworm infestations in your trees, this is likely a different type of species- not a plaster bagworm. 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.. Bagworms - What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them - New Life On A With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. Plaster bagworms are nothing but the larvae of moths. Plaster bagworms are so distinct that many people refer to them as a separate entity entirely. How to get rid of plaster bagworms naturally, Use a bug zapper to kill adult bagworm moths. Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? Due to the active international exchange of goods, other case-bearing moths may occur in Florida in the future. 39-43. In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. You can keep bagworms away by using a combination of home remedies. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and Ill get back to you. You may find them attached to branches, twigs, plants, and other debris outside with a small piece of silk. Original publication date September 1996. This stops the bags from getting up your walls. Abandoned webs are one of the prime food sources of bagworms. Get into cracks and crevices and clean up all the organic matter wedged in there over time. New York. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). The remaining mouth parts are reduced, and adults do not feed. Florida Entomologist 40: 145146. It is commonly known as the plaster bagworm but as the term "bagworm" m. The case has tapered ends that are narrow with a bulging center. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). The larva is a caterpillar that carries the case/bag along with it as it forages. The caterpillar is only about a quarter of an inch long. Theyre mainly attracted to a stable food source with minimal disturbances. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. These bugs go by many other names, with some people referring to them as dust worms or household case bearers. No pest control company wants to work with this. So most species of bagworms will hatch in the springtime. Bagworms life cycle are differentiated into separate stages, much like any other organism. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. Your feedback is how I write more improved and detailed pest guides. Why you have them, how they spread, and when theyre most active. You only want to pass the sponge edges over the eggs and push them off- dont CRUSH them. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. 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. The adult bagworms will fly into the zapper and get fried. They can also eat fungus and mold spores found on wooden structures. 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. Do what works best for you. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. The heads of both sexes are uniformly clothed with dense, rough hairs. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. They crawl around and forage for food (debris, detritus, webs, wool, fabrics, furniture, etc.) Plaster bagworms are not harmful to humans. And dont release pressure at any point. Remember, these bugs thrive in warm and humid environments. 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. Find an insecticide with any of these active ingredients: You can also use any commercial moth killer. They can also be found on the interior and exterior surfaces of your house, and a variety of materials like wood, brick, and stucco. 2000. Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. Three pairs of legs are visible and it can extend and contract from the case. Read some reviews. Please help. They might stay on your exterior door or near a porch light. 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. 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). It secrets silk to build a foundation at both ends and uses various debris to add to the case. Bagworm - Penn State Extension Also, there are many different types of sticky tapes and sticky traps you can use. Introduction to Evergreen Bagworm Moths - ThoughtCo And the trick isnt to smear them because thatll just break the egg. Watson JR. 1946. There are visible black or gray markings on the forewings. Dehumidifiers are often placed in basements, but there are other use cases for them, such as in closets where you store damp clothes or other smaller areas where too much moisture can cause a problem such as bathrooms, RVs, boats, and more. 1933. 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. 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. Birds are also an effective means of managing bagworm populations. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Bagworm Forecast | USA National Phenology Network Figure 5. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. Meanwhile, hooked false legs help it turn around inside the casing. Bags of mature larvae are up to 2" (5 cm) long and 0.5" (1.2 cm) wide. After it pupates into a moth, the adult moth can fly and will abandon the empty case. At that point, the potential damage caused by these bugs is outstanding. 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. Youll want to start your treatment plan to control them by doing a thorough cleaning of infested areas where you see them. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. Then scrub your walls with the wet sponge. Im wanting to know, could they have been here when I got here and I just notice them? Pests that try to climb up will be stuck on the tape and cant get across. Inside your house, protective cocoons can appear anywhere. 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. Figure 4. XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). Bagworm cocoons ('bags') dangling from trees. Males are smaller (wing span: 7 to 9 mm) and thinner than the female, with a less distinctive wing pattern. CRC Press. Some bagworm species are parthenogenetic, meaning their eggs develop without male fertilization. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Any bags that are still alive can be killed by dunking them into a bucket of soapy water. The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). But follow the manufacturers directions. Spray when the bags are smaller than 0.5 and are visibly feeding. Anything below 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit should be more than enough to deter plaster bagworms from coming in. But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". Its primarily white and has a brown head. The soap adds a high surface tension to the water, which makes it very difficult for them to escape once they land in it. The females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. Check the. That said, these bugs can cause a lot of damage around your house. Theyre especially prevalent in the state of Florida. Florida Entomologist 17: 66. If no web is spun, then bagworms have nothing to eat. Dont worry. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). One end of the case is then modified. See if its working or not. This makes it difficult to do for a typical homeowner and should only be used if you know what youre doing. Theres no limit to where the cases are found. Figure 2. The plaster bagworm has 4 life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. You can also spray dish soap, vinegar, or essential oils for a residual effect. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. They have two long visible antennas and a wingspan of about 12mm in length.