In northern Illinois, bagworm caterpillars hatch in early June in most years. Figure 1. And once they hatch into their adult counterparts, they become moths and can fly throughout your home which can lead to more damage. This is why theyre commonly found in areas that are usually unkempt, like garages, basements, or attics. Thanks, After the bagworm eggs hatch, the larvae start spinning a silk strand that dangles down from the pouch. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. Res. Since there are many different types of bagworm species, this depends on the type youre dealing with. Florida Entomologist 17: 66. The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (Tineola uterella). The females will deposit up to 200 eggs by attaching them to surfaces where the larvae are likely to have a food source. I cant sleep. Theyre considered to be caterpillars at this point. 1997. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. The ceiling and believe me , I look! Are you squeamish to even think about a caterpillar pulling a big bag around (and hiding in it)? Do some research. 1979. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. Mint leaves have been known to repel moths and you can utilize this to your advantage by placing them around your home and garden. Other Common Names Eastern Bagworm Common Basket Worm North American Bagworm Size Wingspan of males: about 1 inch. As the worm grows it spins a silken bag around its body, camouflaged with bits and pieces of the host foliage. After they pupate, they emerge as an adult moth. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as Tineola walsinghami. Three sets of legs help the caterpillar walk on horizontal surfaces. Insect Management Guide for Bagworms and Clothes Moths (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG090). Im The same year Kea wrote about the food habits of the species present in Florida, using the name given by Walsingham (T. uterella). Sparrows are commonly chosen because theyre easy to attract and have a wide dispersion across the US. The complete life cycle of plaster bagworms contains 6-7 instars and takes about 40-50 days to complete. 1933. Keep it handy for the next time you encounter one. Pests that try to climb up will be stuck on the tape and cant get across. These bugs go by many other names, with some people referring to them as dust worms or household case bearers. Plaster bagworms are unwelcome guests that can quickly wreak havoc on your home. Then theyll pupate and emerge as an adult moth just to continue the cycle. 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. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. I started off with a nasty fly problem, and was very interested in finding ways to get rid of them without having to use harmful chemicals and pesticides. Bagworms arent exactly as pleasant as a butterfly, but theyre not too difficult to get rid of. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. Bagworms overwinter as eggs in the bag of the mother. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). If you have a particularly challenging plaster bagworm problem and want some advice, send us a message. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). In constructing the case, the larva secretes silk to build an arch attached at both ends to the substrate. And if you found this page helpful, consider telling a friend or just letting me know. 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. At non-air-conditioned room temperature in Panama, the life cycle of Phereoeca uterella (a close relative of Phereoeca dubitatrix) was reported by Aiello (1979) as follows: Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. Specific information of Phereoeca uterella biology is limited. 1956. 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. 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 means they came from an adult female moth and will grow into a moth. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. How to get rid of plaster bagworms naturally, Use a bug zapper to kill adult bagworm moths. This closing mechanism is very difficult to open from the outside. ), 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. At the tip of each proleg there is an ellipse formed by 23 to 25 very small crochets (a small hook). The antennae are filiform (threadlike), as long as the wings, and are held back over the body. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website athttp://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Turn off the porch and security lights (especially at night) to ensure that the moths stay away. The adults mate around the same time, which means the larvae eggs are deposited simultaneously. The adult female will deposit hundreds of eggs which hatch into larvae. Borror DJ, Triplehorn CA, Johnson NF. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. If youre finding bagworms in your trees, bushes, or plants outside, they may not be plaster bagworms. This is one of the easiest ways to kill bagworms without using any dangerous chemicals. Some bagworms will eat fibers such as rugs, furniture, clothing, and other natural fibers- especially wool. If you dont suspect that you have a severe bagworm problem and that theyre just concentrated in one area, try manual removal. Toss them right into the mixture, which will kill them upon contact, and repeat until you see no more bags on your roof! Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. Plaster bagworms breed and mate unusually compared to most other bugs you may be used to. Anything below 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit should be more than enough to deter plaster bagworms from coming in. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). Life Cycle (Back to Top) Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). In most states there is only one generation per year. Plaster bagworms have a diet of wool, spiderwebs, and even the discarded cases of other bagworms. Lowering the relative humidity makes the environment less favorable to bagworms. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, requires high humidity to complete its development, a limiting factor for its dispersion throughout the rest of the country. The anterior crochets are bigger and broader than posterior ones by one third, which is a good detail for identification. 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. Spray early in the morning or late at night to avoid the active daytime hours of bees. Plaster bagworms are so distinct that many people refer to them as a separate entity entirely. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. If you suffer from allergies, the mere presence of these bugs can cause problems as well. Always empty your vacuum bags or dump out the canister. Ive been here six years and suddenly these things started to I thought they were joking St in my clothes and furniture but Ive noticed them in my ceiling and I am terrified. When used properly, you can kill bagworms in just 48 hours after spraying. 3943. At non-air-conditioned room temperature in Panama, the life cycle of Phereoeca uterella (a close relative of Phereoeca dubitatrix) was reported by Aiello (1979) as follows: Eggs require more than 10 days to hatch. In 1933, August Busck proposed the name Tineola walsinghami for the Virgin Island insects of Walsingham. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified. Theyre not as bad as dust mites and cockroaches, but allergy-sufferers can still feel the effects of their presence. The insect might use nearby lint, sand, or even dry plaster debris. This is a cost-effective approach to repelling bagworms and completely natural so you dont need to worry about pesticides and poisons. until they pupate. It can be found under spiderwebs, in bathrooms, bedrooms and garages. 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. Plaster bagworms eat abandoned spider webs, fabric, wool, and even the larval cases of other bagworms. Over many months, you may end up with a TON of plaster bagworms, especially if you dont keep your home maintained. 156, new series. Another microbe you can easily wipe out bagworms is spinosad. 1954. If you live in the South, you know the stark difference a powerful air conditioner can make. Not sure why theyre here. Control of four household insects. 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! Interestingly enough, plaster bagworms dont consume food crumbs or leftovers you leave on the kitchen counter. They can also be found on the interior and exterior surfaces of your house, and a variety of materials like wood, brick, and stucco. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. Visit the EDIS website athttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. One second I look and nothing and I turn around for 5 seconds and one is on the floor or wall crawling. Theres no need to use it during the daytime because moths are nocturnal (active at night). The bagworm nest is made of silk, twigs, and bits of leaves. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Everything I mentioned is listed above in this guide. The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 619. One end of the case is then modified. Plaster bagworms are easily identified by the silk case they carry. The casebearer (AKA casemaking clothes moth) also will make a bag for the larvae which can be found throughout the home. See 3-4 a day. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. Pheno Forecast maps predict key life cycle stages in invasive and pest species, to improve management efficacy. Figure 4. Entomological Society of America. The bagworm has two separate phases of its life cycle that calls for distinct appearances. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. Always try, assess, and adjust as needed. The dark colored bagworm caterpillars are 1/8 to one inch long when they first hatch. They dont scavenge for the same things as cockroaches and other common pests, so theyre free to live in their own little bubble undetected. 1957. Three pairs of legs are visible and it can extend and contract from the case. Braconid wasps are effective at killing the larvae and will stop them from pupating. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and Ill get back to you. This may help bring down their numbers and keep them out of your home. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). They may have other suggestions for the best time to spray. However, the specimens that he collected from the Virgin Islands were misidentified. Life cycle of bagworms The adult female moth does not leave the bag the caterpillar created. 1003 pp. 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. In terms of shape and appearance, it looks pretty similar to a watermelon or pumpkin seed. After it pupates into a moth, the adult moth can fly and will abandon the empty case. The larvae of all create protective cases out of plant materials or other debris. Larva: In late spring, larvae hatch and disperse on silken threads. Moths will be attracted to the lamp and gravitate towards it. After all, they can leave behind a streak of pigment that can be a pain to clean up (and damage sensitive surfaces). 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. This is a good way to organically eliminate the worms, but it can be a tedious project . For spiderwebs, clean your house regularly. Pay special attention to dusty cabinets and bookshelves. These can also be used as materials for their cases, matching whatever is present in their environment. These compounds are effective at making quick work of bagworms and preventing future infestations. 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). Theyre commonly found under webs, bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, rugs, carpets, curtains, joists, sills, foundations, subflooring, building exteriors, farm sheds, lawn furniture, farm machinery, tree trunks, and even under your home. Bagworm is a caterpillar that molts into a moth in the adult stage. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. They might stay on your exterior door or near a porch light. Of course, wasps themselves arent friendly and you definitely dont want them hanging around for too long. A fully developed larva has a case 8 to 14 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide. The remaining mouth parts are reduced and adults do not feed. The remaining mouth parts are reduced, and adults do not feed. Hetrick (1957) found that the most common and abundant food of the household casebearer in Florida is old spider webs, consumed in large quantities. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. If you dont have a severe infestation, you may be able to get rid of them using some natural DIY home remedies. [6] Systematics [ edit] Ten subfamilies [1] and about 240 genera are recognized among the bagworms. The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. Please help. Bagworm Life Cycle. The larva cuts a short slit along both edges to make that end flatter, which acts as a valve. Swap your outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs or just dont turn on your lights at night. Common Names of Insects & Related Organisms. You can also spray dish soap, vinegar, or essential oils for a residual effect. So if you have wool clothing or furniture, you should be careful. Check the. The larvae part of their life cycle consists of walking around and foraging for food. Bagworms move about freely to feed, and they carry their bags with them. The silk they use can be wrapped around the twigs which can kill the tree in the future, especially if its not established. Its when they mature into adult moths that they move inside and start a new generation. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. The lifecycle of a bagworm is nothing special. Meanwhile, hooked false legs help it turn around inside the casing. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. New York. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). Many species in this family are casebearers and a few are indoor pests of hair fibers, woolens, silks, felt and similar materials. These bugs often go unnoticed until populations reach massive levels. Spring - Egg hatch occurs from late May to early June, at which time the larvae crawl out in search of food. Work with the birds that are already in your neighborhood and find out how to get more for them to your garden. 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. Plaster bagworms are found in coaster states where temperatures are high and humidity is prevalent. They have very basic needs and will just need some food to sustain themselves. Kea JW. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. The eggs then remain stuck inside the bag, which is then usually found on your ceiling, walls, and yard. Watson JR. 1939. It is possible that records of Phereoeca uterella might be misidentified as this species or vice versa. Bagworms will eat wool, but they dont eat other materials used in clothing like nylon, cotton, spandex, and polyester. 232 pp. Even though itll kill the baby bagworm, youll be left with a bunch of egg debris and bagworm guts all over your walls. And of course, be safe with anything that can puncture. In fact, one female wasp can kill up to 300 bagworm eggs within its short 7 to 14 day lifespan. The household casebearer,Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. The differences are minimal and dont really matter for clearing the infestation anyway. Use a vacuum cleaner or dish soap to dislodge them and get rid of them. Thats because when they pupate, youll see BOTH ends of the case cemented to a vertical surface. 232 pp. Im deathly afraid they will land on me when Im asleep so Hinton HE, Bradley JD. Required fields are marked *. Head of adult household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. Bagworm cocoons ('bags') dangling from trees. Remember each bagworm you kill means a lower chance of them mating and producing more. They tend to congregate where theres plenty of food to eat, high humidity, and minimal disturbances. No method is as simple, free, and convenient as removing them by hand. TQ, Im having serious problems with bagworms. Plaster Bagworm Life Cycle Plaster bagworms start as caterpillar-like larvae that hatch in the early summer. Bagworms feed on a variety of organic materials. When disturbed, it encloses itself in the case by pulling the bottom side up. You can keep bagworms away by using a combination of home remedies. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. 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. But follow the manufacturers directions. Once the eggs hatch, the larva spins a silk strand that hangs down it. Why you have them, how they spread, and when theyre most active. One of the most effective ways to get rid of plaster bagworms in your house is to maintain cooler temperatures inside. If you have bagworms that have built up extensively, you may notice damaged structural materials or cosmetic damage to your home. Then scrub your walls with the wet sponge. And dont release pressure at any point. 1956. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. 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. Make a soap water mixture and then grab an old sponge that youre about to throw out. 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. Theyre likely a different species altogether, but heres a tip. Plaster bagworm life cycle Bagworms have a two-part life cycle. Theres no single foolproof technique. 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. Hetrick LA. The host plants can be a variety of trees . Regardless, the techniques to get rid of them remain largely the same and are effective for both. Arnett Jr RH. XVI: Two new genera of clothes moths (Tineidae). CRC Press. The thing Im frightened most about is how they appear out of thin air. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. Theyre safe from the cold temperatures by hiding inside the silk case. Bags of mature larvae are up to 2" (5 cm) long and 0.5" (1.2 cm) wide. As a result, large populations of plaster bagworms can become a massive problem for Floridians. The cases are thin and flat similar to a pumpkin seed. 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. The larvae create their silk case after hatching and will forage for food, such as organic detritus and debris found within your house. Dont overdo it- just as long as the mixture is even should be good enough. They are easiest to identify by the bags they construct as they feed. Juan A. Villaneuva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. 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. Theyll emerge when temperatures pick up in the springtime, so the best time to find a bunch of them is during the winter. The compound eyes are prominent. You should turn off or reduce your patio lights where possible. The larva is not usually seen by most people. 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. University of Florida, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 536. Moth eggs on your walls can be ridden by using a wet sponge dipped in soapy water. Most people will see bagworm activity during the warmer months such as August and September. There are many types and brands of sticky tape and traps. Boca Raton. Webs can be found on the roof, walls, corners, baseboards, cracks, foundation, and more. Eggs take about 1-2 weeks to hatch but vary depending on environmental conditions, species, and temperature. A fully developed larva caterpillar spans about 7mm in length with a dark head and white body. It can also be harmful to humans, so use proper PPE and follow manufacturer directions. Finally, stick to a routine vacuuming schedule. Busck A. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than Phereoeca uterella might be in those states. And if you have any questions, just leave a comment and Ill get back to you. 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. The females are usually more patterned than males. 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. 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. For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. Things like deck lights, patio lights, pathway markers, security lights, and any other light source thats not necessary should be turned off. Boca Raton. Watson (1939) corroborated the preference of Phereoeca uterella for woolen goods of all kinds. Leaving them in there allows them to escape. When youre out of ideas, consult a professional (licensed) pest control company. 1989. They fly fairly well, but usually rest on walls, floor edges, or on webs of house spiders (theridiids) (Aiello 1979). Read some reviews. Entomol. To address the wool problem, keep all of your items in sealed plastic bags. They have two long visible antennas and a wingspan of about 12mm in length. Then, hang nylon socks with moth repellents like herbs and spices and tape them to the areas with heavy infestations. They can be damaging and destroy significant parts of the tree which results in damaged foliage. You also may come across additional areas of activity. Food habits of Tineola uterella. Invest in a portable AC, ductless AC, or window unit to keep every inch of your house climate controlled. They are really gross and now its a phobia for me. Follow the directions on the package at all times. For insect pest species, Pheno Forecasts are based on published growing degree day (GDD) thresholds for key points in species life cycles. The larvae then build the bags you commonly see hanging on your ceiling. The larva, or caterpillar, is rarely seen because it spends most of its time inside that protective casing. After a month-long metamorphosis process, the moths will ditch their casing and search for males to mate. Hinton HE, Bradley JD. You can protect your garden from bagworms by using moth-repellent plants like lavender, marigold, and mugworts (see the list above). Or just seal up those cracks with caulk to prevent further pests from sheltering there. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. The hindwings are just a solid gray or dark brown color with no patterning. This is like an impermeable layer of protection from the elements- including liquids. I may be able to help you out! Each molt results in a larger case. Bagworm eggs hatch in late May or early June, which makes this the ideal time to eradicate them. You can quickly remove a ton of bags hanging on your ceiling by using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. 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. They start appearing in spring and the population increases over time until august and September. The case has tapered ends that are narrow with a bulging center. Bulletin No. 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. What is the best chemical to kill bagworms? In constructing the case, the larva secretes silk to build an arch attached at both ends to the substrate. Aiello (1979) believes the plates protect the larva from natural enemies when it reaches out of its case for locomotion. If you want to learn how to get rid of plaster bagworms, youve come to the right place. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. The eggs can incubate over the winter before hatching into a large population of young plaster bagworms! Manual picking or vacuuming of cases and spider web removal should be enough to keep this species under control. Theyre mainly attracted to a stable food source with minimal disturbances. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. They immediately begin feeding on host plants. The Entomologist 89: 42-47. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. Finally, an early synonym established by Meyrick was recognized as the most appropriate name, and the species was named Phereoeca dubitatrix (Meyrick 1932).