Bulletin No. Generally, they will stay close to wherever food is near. It's only the wool items you have to protect. 2000. How to get rid of plaster bagworms naturally, Use a bug zapper to kill adult bagworm moths. Bagworm is a caterpillar that molts into a moth in the adult stage. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Youll want to focus on eliminating SPIDER WEBS because this is their favorite thing to munch on. Have the soapy water spray everywhere . Moths cant help but fly towards the light. Life Cycle. This allows them to quickly reproduce and build up to extreme numbers. Keep in mind that severe bagworm infestations on your trees may require the help of a professional, especially for taller trees that you cant reach the upper branches or twigs. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. And then utilize these plants to keep the bagworms away: Whatever zone you live in, you should be able to find a few plants. Since most infestations are just one type of bagworm species, you may see a ton of them all dangling on the ceiling within the same room. until they pupate. If you need to resort to chemical pesticides to kill plaster bagworms, heres what youll want to look for. The females are usually more patterned than males. They tend to congregate where theres plenty of food to eat, high humidity, and minimal disturbances. The larvae of the species of Tineidae of economic importance. Since webs are largely transparent and invisible, you can use a flashlight and shine it around darker corners of the room to make sure you dont miss any. Bosik JJ, et al. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. The differences are minimal and dont really matter for clearing the infestation anyway. Busck A. Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. Put on a pair of garden gloves, goggles, and long sleeves because were going to get dirty! Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. No method is as simple, free, and convenient as removing them by hand. Each constructs a small bag around its hind parts with silk and plant material. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). 156, new series. 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. The silk lining allows orifices at both ends. The life cycle can continue until you have thousands and thousands of plaster bagworms to get rid of. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. There are two pairs of buccal appendages called palps. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. There are over 1350 different species all over the world. You dont want to harm them as theyre a beneficial insect. They dont scavenge for the same things as cockroaches and other common pests, so theyre free to live in their own little bubble undetected. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). The caterpillar is only about a quarter of an inch long. A braconid wasp,Apanteles carpatus(Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. Plaster bagworms are the tiny larvae you find on your walls and ceiling. Life cycle Young bagworms on juniper foliage Scales are also visible. Always try, assess, and adjust as needed. The larvae of the species of Tineidae of economic importance. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. So most species of bagworms will hatch in the springtime. BC Pest Control is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Too terrified to puncture them. Bosik JJ et al. You can get rid of household casebearers using similar home remedies to bagworms such as essential oils, manual removal, soapy water, and vacuuming. Original publication date September 1996. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Arnett Jr RH. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. The eggs are small and look like pale-bluish seeds that are stuck on surfaces, usually in a dark area or hidden from view. Inside the bag the caterpillar transforms to the moth stage. The bags gradually enlarge as they feed during the summer to house the growing caterpillar. The cases are thin and flat similar to a pumpkin seed. How do you get rid of moth eggs on the wall? This may help bring down their numbers and keep them out of your home. 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. The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform, or spindle-shaped case which resembles a cantaloupe or pumpkin seed. Use as directed. But they dont clean up after themselves and their web will just hang around until its cleaned up. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. The females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. What is the life cycle of a plaster Bagworm? Inside your house, protective cocoons can appear anywhere. pp. 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. What time of year do you spray for bagworms? The thing to note is that when you see it hanging upside down, its likely not pupating yet. You may find them attached to branches, twigs, plants, and other debris outside with a small piece of silk. They roam around with their cases in search of food - random debris, spiderwebs, fabrics, plaster, and even furniture. The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. Perhaps for this reason, the accepted common name of Phereoeca uterella is now listed as the household casebearer, instead of plaster bagworm (Bosik JJ, et al. Pay special attention to dusty cabinets and bookshelves. The case that it carries around wherever it feeds is what is immediately recognized. Hi there! This is one of the easiest ways to kill bagworms without using any dangerous chemicals. The larva has three pair of well-developed, brown legs. And its natural. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. So, you need to get rid of plaster bagworms in your house. The dish soap easily removes the moth eggs stuck on your wall, but for stubborn eggs, you may have to use a peeler. The host plants can be a variety of trees . Female adults will keep their bags, which has her pupal case and this is where the eggs are deposited. Both ends of the case are identical, and are used by the larva to hide. proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than Phereoeca uterella might be in those states. Although this isnt the most efficient way of controlling and managing them, its a safe and quick way to bring down their numbers. And if you found this page helpful, consider telling a friend or just letting me know. Other Common Names Eastern Bagworm Common Basket Worm North American Bagworm Size Wingspan of males: about 1 inch. Theres no single foolproof technique. Case of household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. However, theyre still larvae destined to become moths. Once the eggs hatch, the larva spins a silk strand that hangs down it. Microlepidoptera of Cuba. 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. Each bagworm generation lives just long enough as adults to mate and reproduce in their annual cycle. By late summer . Three sets of legs help the caterpillar walk on horizontal surfaces. 1997). It secrets silk to build a foundation at both ends and uses various debris to add to the case. I just moved here four months ago. They have two long visible antennas and a wingspan of about 12mm in length. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. Namely, vespid wasps, woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other predatory flying insects will eat them up without hesitation. So they have both a crawling and flying phase. No pest control company wants to work with this. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. CRC Press. Quick Tip: Dont forget to empty the bag or canister to ensure that the pests are out of your house for good! Though they can also be found in broad daylight. Apply the Bt as directed by the package directions. Get some quotes. There are many types and brands of sticky tape and traps. The cases are constructed by the larval (caterpillar) stage and often attract attention when found in homes. Plaster bagworms are quirky little pests that can easily go unnoticed. The remaining mouth parts are reduced and adults do not feed. 200 eggs may be laid by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. These little buggers are truly an interesting pest with their distinct life phase and a big old case they lug around behind them. She remains inside while the winged, male moth does emerge to fly about the infested tree to locate the waiting female. 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. Once you lift the sponge from the surface, it allows eggs to get caught UNDER it which will smear them. You can tell them apart by their colors, patternings, and size. Use a standard shop vac or upright vacuum with a hose attachment and suck up any bagworms you come across. At that point, the potential damage caused by these bugs is outstanding. Your feedback is how I write more improved and detailed pest guides. Dish soap does indeed kill plaster bagworms and can be used as a home remedy for a pesticide. The legs are also visible and are gray, silver, or white. 232 pp. The compound eyes are prominent. The larvae are moved to nearby trees and shrubs with the help of wind. 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. The cocoon is made up of silk fiber and other organic materials. It also attacks certain deciduous trees such as black locust, honeylocust, and sycamore. 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 ceiling and believe me , I look! For plaster bagworms, this is usually on ceilings, walls, and other humid areas with plenty of debris for the larvae to consume. And dont release pressure at any point. Find an insecticide with any of these active ingredients: You can also use any commercial moth killer. Make a soap water mixture and then grab an old sponge that youre about to throw out. Plaster bagworms are found in coaster states where temperatures are high and humidity is prevalent. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. Please help me. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. Watson JR. 1939. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). Some people and pets may be sensitive to essential oils, talcum powder, diatomaceous earth, boric acid, etc. 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. I cant sleep. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. Plaster Bagworm Life Cycle Plaster bagworms start as caterpillar-like larvae that hatch in the early summer. Position the desktop lamp above the container and direct the light right into the liquid. 1933. Watson JR. 1946. Wing venation is very important for genera identification, and was described by Hinton and Bradley in 1956. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. The eggs then remain stuck inside the bag, which is then usually found on your ceiling, walls, and yard. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. 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. until they pupate. Follow the directions on the package at all times. Theyre not as bad as dust mites and cockroaches, but allergy-sufferers can still feel the effects of their presence. Females are bigger and wider while males are smaller and thinner. Of course, wasps themselves arent friendly and you definitely dont want them hanging around for too long. Rooms or areas that are dirty or ignored will be swarming with empty cases and live larvae. Theyre the larvae form of moths and have two distinct phases of their lifecycle. I may be able to help you out! Wasps are one of the main predators of bagworms, so you should focus on getting more of them to your yard to help clean up the infestation. The remaining mouth parts are reduced, and adults do not feed. Once the larvae hatch, the larvae begin to spin a silk strand and hang down from it. The ventral prolegs are white and are located on abdominal segments 3 to 6 and 10. Its a passive way to repel them and stop plaster bagworms without having to do any work. 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. You can control and manage plaster bagworms in your home and garden using a variety of DIY home remedies. Res. Pupa: Pupation occurs inside the case. Plaster bagworms arent picky about their food source and will eat any organic matter left behind. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. The adult female will deposit hundreds of eggs which hatch into larvae. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. 1003 pp. 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 spider webs on your patio, outdoor furnishings, etc.). Check the. Entomologica Americana 13: 151203. They fly fairly well, but usually rest on walls, floor edges, or on webs of house spiders (theridiids) (Aiello 1979). The adult bagworms will fly into the zapper and get fried. Your email address will not be published. Meanwhile, hooked false legs help it turn around inside the casing. In fact, one female wasp can kill up to 300 bagworm eggs within its short 7 to 14 day lifespan. There are visible black or gray markings on the forewings. The resilient fibers of a spider web make them extremely durable to the elements (theyre resistant to rain, wind, and sunlight) and this provides a longstanding food for bagworms. If spiders have nothing to eat, then they wont spin a web. Introduction The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. The plaster bagworm has 4 life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Additionally, if you have any tips on eliminating plaster bagworms, drop them below to help out someone else! Larva: In late spring, larvae hatch and disperse on silken threads. Juan A. Villaneuva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. Use a vacuum cleaner or dish soap to dislodge them and get rid of them. Bull. The caterpillar larvae rarely can be seen by people. Theyre either on the floor crawling or on the walls . The larval case is a slender, flat, fusiform or spindle-shaped case which resembles a pumpkin seed. 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. 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. If you do find their cases stuck on your clothing or furniture, double-check for more so you can confirm it wasnt a fluke. Photograph by Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, University of Florida. Life history and behavior of the case-bearer Phereoeca allutella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). Spring - Egg hatch occurs from late May to early June, at which time the larvae crawl out in search of food. If you absolutely need a light to be overnight, consider replacing them with a yellow bulb. Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? Specific information of Phereoeca uterella biology is limited. The larvae will emerge from their case and walk around bringing the case alongside them. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. The new moth emerges around noon, leaving the pupal case exposed on the outer case. This, however, is no way to really control the bagworms. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). Also, read all warnings and labels on any kind of application you use as a home remedy on your property. Then spray the bagworm and the dish detergent will enter the bag. Theyre especially prevalent in the state of Florida. 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. To address the wool problem, keep all of your items in sealed plastic bags. They can be damaging and destroy significant parts of the tree which results in damaged foliage. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterellaWalsingham. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. They crawl around and forage for food (debris, detritus, webs, wool, fabrics, furniture, etc.) Household Pests. 39-43. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932). You can use a variety of treatments such as sticky traps, essential oils, manual removal, natural predators, vinegar or dish soapy sprays, and natural herbal remedies. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and Ill get back to you. On the top and bottom of the oval-shaped case, theres a slit-like opening. If you live in the South, you know the stark difference a powerful air conditioner can make. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. 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. For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. While it might not seem complex, theres a right and wrong way to deal with these insects! Observations on species of Lepidoptera infesting stored products. Im deathly afraid they will land on me when Im asleep so Then theyll pupate and emerge as an adult moth just to continue the cycle. Perhaps for this reason, the accepted common name ofPhereoeca uterellais now listed as the household casebearer, instead of plaster bagworm (Bosik et al. Figure 2. This makes it difficult to do for a typical homeowner and should only be used if you know what youre doing. 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.. 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. Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. Bulletin No. ), 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. The larva is a caterpillar that carries the case/bag along with it as it forages. 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). Next, use the sharp end and puncture the bagworm case while its stationary on the ceiling. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. This is a good way to organically eliminate the worms, but it can be a tedious project . Bags on spruce will look completely different from those on arborvitae or honey locust because the host plant material is incorporated into the bag. So if you have a lot of bagworms, this is why. Find one that doesnt damage your paint and try it out. In most cases, plaster bagworms start their life outdoors. In terms of shape and appearance, it looks pretty similar to a watermelon or pumpkin seed. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. 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. Youll want to make its secure and wont fall into the mixture and nothing can knock it over. 1979. 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. 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. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as T. walsinghami. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Crawling insects are not effective because they rarely go upside down on your ceiling and have the ability to puncture the casing of the larvae bagworm. Use a longer pole so you can avoid getting on a ladder. 875 pp. Plaster worms thrive when the humidity is high. The household casebearer,Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. 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. Either way, the final result is a light gray protective case that hangs discreetly on the walls of your home. Bagworm cocoons are the nests where the caterpillars live. One end of the case is then modified. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. You also may scrape your paint finish, so get in there by hand. The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. 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. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. Bagworm cocoons ('bags') dangling from trees. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. CRC Press. States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. Consider hiring a professional exterminator if you have specific questions on using natural predators to handle plaster bagworms. A lot of leading companies have green or natural approaches, so find one that has alternative pest control treatments and ask about them. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. 1933. Reviewed June 2020. This is true during the period of their lifecycle when they pupate in the larvae case. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). They can also be found on the interior and exterior surfaces of your house, and a variety of materials like wood, brick, and stucco. 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! Theyll fall into the dish soap mixture and drown because of the soap. The best course of action is to vacuum everything. It is possible that records of Phereoeca uterella might be misidentified as this species or vice versa. Read some reviews. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. 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. The maxillary palps are smaller than the labial palps, and are folded inwards. XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). Control of four household insects. The adult moth will merge from the case, complete with a full wingspan. See if its working or not. The Entomologist 89: 4247. Moths are attracted to light, especially at night when your outdoor lights are the only thing that lights up the evening sky. And of course, be safe with anything that can puncture. Then place it on the floor and grab a ladder. 1956. 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. It can be found under spiderwebs, in bathrooms, bedrooms and garages. However, the name household casebearer is now accepted under Phereoeca uterella, rather than the plaster bagworm. So then I created this site to share everything Ive learned over the years (and continuing to learn)- natural solutions that are proven to work against the bug thats bugging you! There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. 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. Busck A. Even if you sweep away spiderwebs, the bugs food source only ends up on the floor. Visit the EDIS website at, . For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Figure 4. Both species follow a similar way of life but have different classifications. These are the protective bags of bagworms, also commonly confused with casebearers. PLASTER BAGWORMS LOVE FLORIDA HOMES Prepared by Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Director Release: 02/14/99 . Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. For example,Phereoeca allutella(Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java and Samoa. When many homeowners see these insects, theyll instinctively sweep them off the wall and call it a day. The bagworm life cycle encompasses four stages - egg, larvae, pupal, and mature adult. One second I look and nothing and I turn around for 5 seconds and one is on the floor or wall crawling. Are plaster bagworms harmful to humans? The best time to spray for bagworms is in late spring, which is when most of the bagworm larvae have completed incubation and hatched from their eggs.
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