Scales are also visible. Figure 5. Bagworm - Penn State Extension XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). Boca Raton. Each bagworm spins its own cocoon nest, where it spends most of its life. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. Position the desktop lamp above the container and direct the light right into the liquid. Its primarily white and has a brown head. So most species of bagworms will hatch in the springtime. The case has tapered ends that are narrow with a bulging center. Theres a visible tuft of hair on the head and wing edges. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. You can also set up moth traps to catch any adults that attempt to lay eggs to stop future pest problems. Busck A. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. This kills the plaster bagworm instantly. If youre finding bagworms in your trees, bushes, or plants outside, they may not be plaster bagworms. However, thats an ineffective way to get rid of plaster bagworms because it doesnt address the problem at hand! The differences are minimal and dont really matter for clearing the infestation anyway. After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. Plaster bagworm, the destructive household pest The white-grey cocoon-like things on your walls and ceilings can cause damage to your belongings and should be removed to prevent infestation.. I find that using a combo of various repellents, bagworm removal methods, sticky traps, and natural deterrents work best. Watson (1939) corroborated the preference of Pjerepeca uterella for woolen goods of all kinds. They dont scavenge for the same things as cockroaches and other common pests, so theyre free to live in their own little bubble undetected. By the end of this article, you should have everything you need to know to manage, control, and eliminate these pests. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. Watson JR. 1946. Each bagworm generation lives just long enough as adults to mate and reproduce in their annual cycle. Then place them around your yard to keep the bagworms away. The larvae of the species of Tineidae of economic importance. The adults mate and deposit their eggs which over time will result in these bagworms on your walls and ceilings. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). That said, these bugs can cause a lot of damage around your house. Microlepidoptera of Cuba. 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. 232 pp. However, we usually see only the empty larval or pupal cases of the household casebearer on walls of houses in south and central Florida. 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.) Life history and behavior of the case-bearer Phereoeca allutella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). I dont ever see any hanging from For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. 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. See how there are multiple layers of defense to keep the plaster bagworms out of your home? Revised July 2005, April 2010, April 2014, and April 2017. The larva is not usually seen by most people. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and avoiding ones that dont. Why you have them, how they spread, and when theyre most active. If you want to prevent these flying insects from laying eggs in or around your house, youll need to reduce the lighting outside. 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. Most trees will recover, but sick or younger trees may be destroyed by bagworms. Leave the lamp on overnight. 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 household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, requires high humidity to complete its development, a limiting factor for its dispersion throughout the rest of the country. After they pupate, they emerge as an adult moth. The eggs can incubate over the winter before hatching into a large population of young plaster bagworms! The casebearer (AKA casemaking clothes moth) also will make a bag for the larvae which can be found throughout the home. But they dont clean up after themselves and their web will just hang around until its cleaned up. The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. Bagworm Control: How To Get Rid Of Bagworms - Gardening Know How They dont bite, sting, or transmit any dangerous diseases to people. Interestingly enough, plaster bagworms dont consume food crumbs or leftovers you leave on the kitchen counter. After all, the last thing you need is harmful toxic residues floating around your home just to keep some bagworms out. Theres no need to use it during the daytime because moths are nocturnal (active at night). 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. They have very basic needs and will just need some food to sustain themselves. This may help prevent the future generation of bagworms from developing because the Bt eats up the larvae and prevents them from spawning. The only thing Id be wary about is to study the pesticides they use and check out the MSDS on them. Adult females have a wing span 10 to 13 mm long. 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. 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. Youll often find 1-2 spindle bags hanging from the twigs. But for everything else, they should be a minimal threat. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. Both of them are closely related species, but the casebearer and plaster bagworm are distinct species. Bagworms - What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them - New Life On A Theyll eat old webs because of the silk fiber necessary to produce their case. The females will deposit up to 200 eggs by attaching them to surfaces where the larvae are likely to have a food source. 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. Borror DJ, Triplehorn CA, Johnson NF. How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Food From A Host? However, proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than P. uterella might be in those states. Use a longer pole so you can avoid getting on a ladder. Entomologica Americana 13: 151203. Both ends of the case are identical and are used by the larva to hide. Required fields are marked *. The larva, or caterpillar, is rarely seen because it spends most of its time inside that protective casing. However, regular cleaning practices, increased use of air conditioning in houses, and reduced number of woolen goods in this part of the country, along with pesticide application in cracks and crevices for household pest control, have decreased the incidence of the household casebearer. There are two pairs of buccal appendages called palps. Figure 4. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. Bulletin No. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. Theyre mainly attracted to a stable food source with minimal disturbances. Another related species of case-bearing moths is Praececodes atomosella (tecophora) (Walker 1863). It is silk-lined inside and open at both ends. The larva has three pair of well-developed, brown legs. Luckily, these bugs will typically leave your cotton and nylon alone. Entomol. You can reduce the humidity in rooms where you see them dangling from the roof by doing the following: Set up box fans or air circulators to keep moisture moving (point them at windows and doors facing OUT of the room that has high humidity). Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. Preferably one that doesnt damage your paint finish. Either way, the final result is a light gray protective case that hangs discreetly on the walls of your home. If you live in the South, you know the stark difference a powerful air conditioner can make. The eggs then remain stuck inside the bag, which is then usually found on your ceiling, walls, and yard. You can also use a long pole to scrape them off, but this could result in your crushing them which can damage your ceiling. The thing to note is that when you see it hanging upside down, its likely not pupating yet. The eggs look like small blue ovals with a pale tint and are less than 0.5mm in length. 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. 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. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. Moths are attracted to light, especially at night when your outdoor lights are the only thing that lights up the evening sky. The dish soap easily removes the moth eggs stuck on your wall, but for stubborn eggs, you may have to use a peeler. Its when they mature into adult moths that they move inside and start a new generation. 1957. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. Egg: In late summer and fall, the female lays up to 1,000 eggs in her case. Additionally, if you have any tips on eliminating plaster bagworms, drop them below to help out someone else! Aiello A. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. The complete life cycle of plaster bagworms contains 6-7 instars and takes about 40-50 days to complete. 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.. The bags gradually enlarge as they feed during the summer to house the growing caterpillar. Females are bigger and wider while males are smaller and thinner. Abandoned webs are one of the prime food sources of bagworms. 1979. Birds are also an effective means of managing bagworm populations. Watson JR. 1939. The thing Im frightened most about is how they appear out of thin air. Like any other nuisance bug, plaster bagworms move into homes to find food and shelter. You can protect your garden from bagworms by using moth-repellent plants like lavender, marigold, and mugworts (see the list above). 1997. 8 Best Ways To Get Rid Of Bagworms - HouseDigest.com The bagworm has two separate phases of its life cycle that calls for distinct appearances. After all, they can leave behind a streak of pigment that can be a pain to clean up (and damage sensitive surfaces). Florida Entomologist 40: 145146. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". 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. What is the life cycle of a plaster Bagworm? Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. This, however, is no way to really control the bagworms. I thought they were joking St in my clothes and furniture but Ive noticed them in my ceiling and I am terrified. Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. Life Cycle Management Common name: . Plaster bagworms arent inherently dangerous. Bagworm Life Cycle. It also attacks certain deciduous trees such as black locust, honeylocust, and sycamore. Also, dont try to attract some bird species that are not native to your area. Each constructs a small bag around its hind parts with silk and plant material. While they might be small, a large population can wreak havoc on all of your prized garments. The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. 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. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. Plaster bagworms are so distinct that many people refer to them as a separate entity entirely. Within the household, they can be found in dark, humid areas. Arnett Jr RH. Moth traps can help catch the adult bagworm moths and reduce the number of progeny in the future. Theyre either on the floor crawling or on the walls . The plaster bagworm often is confused with the household casebearer. You also may come across additional areas of activity. Bagworms - Kansas State University You also may scrape your paint finish, so get in there by hand. Bagworms on Trees and Shrubs | University of Maryland Extension - UMD Use a vacuum cleaner or dish soap to dislodge them and get rid of them. 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. Watson JR. 1946. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as T. walsinghami. Adult: Adult females have a wing span 10 to 13 mm long. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. 875 pp. Psyche 86: 125136. 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. Plaster bagworms are found in coaster states where temperatures are high and humidity is prevalent. Phereoeca uterella - Wikipedia Thats because when they pupate, youll see BOTH ends of the case cemented to a vertical surface. He also assumed that this species might be present in the coastal areas of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. And theres no shame in doing this if the service is good and the price is fair. Heres a resource you can check out to find out what foods to feed. A braconid wasp,Apanteles carpatus(Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. Once the larvae hatch, the larvae begin to spin a silk strand and hang down from it. Then, they all hatch around the same time and this is why they all appear out of nowhere- at the same time! The adults mate around the same time, which means the larvae eggs are deposited simultaneously. After it pupates into a moth, the adult moth can fly and will abandon the empty case. And then utilize these plants to keep the bagworms away: Whatever zone you live in, you should be able to find a few plants. You can make your home more favorable for birds by providing birdbaths, using bird feeders, and placing birdhouses around the area. After a month-long metamorphosis process, the moths will ditch their casing and search for males to mate. 1956. The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). Creighton JT. Start by using the techniques listed here that you can do right away. The cases are constructed by the larval (caterpillar) stage and often attract attention when found in homes. 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. 875 pp. Fortunately, getting rid of plaster bagworms is pretty easy if you take the proper steps. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. PLASTER BAGWORMS LOVE FLORIDA HOMES Prepared by Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Director Release: 02/14/99 . Larva: In late spring, larvae hatch and disperse on silken threads. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. The larvae can damage your ceiling, walls, stucco, and other materials over time, though this can be fixed for most infestations. The caterpillar is only about a quarter of an inch long. Quick Tip: If you have a lot of wool clothing, dont be surprised if you find them destroying it. Due to the active international exchange of goods, other case-bearing moths may occur in Florida in the future. Plaster bagworms are quirky little pests that can easily go unnoticed. Remember each bagworm you kill means a lower chance of them mating and producing more. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. Plaster Bagworm 6,145 views May 5, 2021 Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932). And dont forget about the light that comes from inside your home. Also, there are many different types of sticky tapes and sticky traps you can use. Does the thought of a giant moth flying out of the silk bag freak you out? The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). If you have a part of your house thats not insulated or cooled, consider taking steps to change that. Due to its food habits the household casebearer is a potential household pest. You may see dozens of bags hanging on your roof during this time. 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. Plaster bagworms might not bite, but theyre certainly not a pest you should ignore. The cocoon is made up of silk fiber and other organic materials. Bagworm | Horticulture and Home Pest News - Iowa State University After the first case has been built, the larvae will move around and pull the case. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. They often do free home inspections and can answer your questions about bagworm control. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. Entomological Society of America. Bagworms feed on a variety of organic materials. Their eggs hatch when temperatures pick up after the winter. One of the most effective ways to get rid of plaster bagworms in your house is to maintain cooler temperatures inside. Another microbe you can easily wipe out bagworms is spinosad. Youll want to start your treatment plan to control them by doing a thorough cleaning of infested areas where you see them. These are the protective bags of bagworms, also commonly confused with casebearers. Follow the directions on the package at all times. Theyll emerge when temperatures pick up in the springtime, so the best time to find a bunch of them is during the winter. Sparrows are commonly chosen because theyre easy to attract and have a wide dispersion across the US. You can tell them apart by their colors, patternings, and size. These become the host plants for the larvae for further development in the moth life cycle. The largest cases are about 8-14mm in length with a 3-4mm width. This is a cost-effective approach to repelling bagworms and completely natural so you dont need to worry about pesticides and poisons. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. In most cases, plaster bagworms start their life outdoors. Plaster Bagworm - YouTube Walking into a cool home is like stepping into a completely different environment! Learn more. Entomologica Americana 13: 151-203. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. 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. 39-43. The maxillary palps are smaller than the labial palps, and are folded inwards. Wing venation is very important for genera identification, and was described by Hinton and Bradley in 1956. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. Photograph by Juan A. Villanueva-Jimnez, University of Florida. If no web is spun, then bagworms have nothing to eat. In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. They may also have been smuggled into your house from newly purchased products, such as plants, carpet, furniture, and more. Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. When disturbed, it encloses itself in the case by pulling the bottom side up. The remaining mouth parts are reduced, and adults do not feed. Hinton HE. The dark colored bagworm caterpillars are 1/8 to one inch long when they first hatch. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. The first record of this species came from Lord Walsingham in 1897 (Busck, 1933). This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website athttp://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. For example,Phereoeca allutella(Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java and Samoa. Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs and other fibers are added on the outside. The key is to push down firmly on the sponge and go downward in a single motion. Quick Tip: Youre most likely to encounter plaster bagworms if you live in the Southeastern United States. Even if you sweep away spiderwebs, the bugs food source only ends up on the floor. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. 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. Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? [6] Systematics [ edit] Ten subfamilies [1] and about 240 genera are recognized among the bagworms. Inside the bag the caterpillar transforms to the moth stage. Bulletin of Entomological Research 47: 251-346. 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. Both species follow a similar way of life but have different classifications. The larva has true legs and will emerge from the case to walk across surfaces, dragging the case with it like a snail. Adult female household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. Head of adult household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. 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. 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. The insect might use nearby lint, sand, or even dry plaster debris. They are really gross and now its a phobia for me. They crawl around and forage for food (debris, detritus, webs, wool, fabrics, furniture, etc.) Eventually, the plaster bagworm becomes a moth. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. It can also be harmful to humans, so use proper PPE and follow manufacturer directions. 1003 pp. 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. The larvae then build the bags you commonly see hanging on your ceiling. Entomological Society of America. While it might not seem complex, theres a right and wrong way to deal with these insects! 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. Do what works best for you. States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. Clean up water spillages from using the sink, shower, etc. After they hatch, the small larvae emerge and will begin to feed. Bagworm Forecast | USA National Phenology Network Plaster bagworms can destroy pricey wool and natural-fiber items. As a result, large populations of plaster bagworms can become a massive problem for Floridians. Florida Entomologist 17: 66. 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. Youll need to get a lengthy object with a pointed end to make punctures. This pupal phase spans about 16 days on average. Dont worry. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan.