You also may come across additional areas of activity. Aiello (1979) succeeded in rearing specimens of the related species Phereoeca allutella by offering them dead mosquitoes and her own hair. Adults at rest hold their wings tented over the body. Check the USDA map to see what zone youre in if you have no idea. Position the desktop lamp above the container and direct the light right into the liquid. Bagworms life cycle are differentiated into separate stages, much like any other organism. States like Florida, California, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, and new york with high populations of people and unkempt homes attract bagworms. Plaster bagworms are nothing but the larvae of moths. In Florida, this braconid and an ichneumonid wasp,Lymeon orbum(Say), were reared from the household casebearer (Hetrick 1957). 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. The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, requires high humidity to complete its development, a limiting factor for its dispersion throughout the rest of the country. Reviewed June 2020. The larva, or caterpillar, is rarely seen because it spends most of its time inside that protective casing. If spiders have nothing to eat, then they wont spin a web. If you suffer from allergies, the mere presence of these bugs can cause problems as well. Entomological Society of America. They have two long visible antennas and a wingspan of about 12mm in length. Larva: The larva is not usually seen by most people. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. Reduce the number of total spiders in your home and youll have fewer webs to deal with. The caterpillar will pupate and does this inside the case. The silk they use can be wrapped around the twigs which can kill the tree in the future, especially if its not established. CRC Press. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. A bug zapper can also be effective for controlling nighttime moths. 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. After a while, the species in the peninsula was recognized as T. walsinghami. A braconid wasp,Apanteles carpatus(Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. They have very basic needs and will just need some food to sustain themselves. From egg to adult takes about 74 days on average. The females cement the eggs to surfaces with a mixture of debris. After a month-long metamorphosis process, the moths will ditch their casing and search for males to mate. 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. Make a soap water mixture and then grab an old sponge that youre about to throw out. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. Revised July 2005, April 2010, April 2014, and April 2017. Additionally, if you have any tips on eliminating plaster bagworms, drop them below to help out someone else! There are visible black or gray markings on the forewings. 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 females lay more than 200 eggs in a small, protective casing. Males are smaller (wing span: 7 to 9 mm) and thinner than the female, with a less distinctive wing pattern. Control of four household insects. If youre finding bagworms in your trees, bushes, or plants outside, they may not be plaster bagworms. The plaster bagworm often is confused with the household casebearer. Old cases of its own species were chewed as well. After the first case has been built, the larvae will move around and pull the case. 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! Busck A. Climb up there safely, and start picking them off your ceiling. Soon after hatching, a worm about the size of a pencil lead starts eating the foliage. For example, Phereoeca allutella (Rebel) has been recorded in Hawaii, Panama, Canary Islands, Madeira, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Java, and Samoa. The bagworm nest is made of silk, twigs, and bits of leaves. 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. Theyre also found in South America and other southern countries. The fully developed larva is about 7 mm long. This isnt the most efficient home remedy to get rid of plaster bagworms, but you can clean up an infestation quickly without using any chemicals. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. Its oval and features a somewhat flat profile, which is perfect for blending into walls. These compounds are effective at making quick work of bagworms and preventing future infestations. But when woolen threads and woolen cloth were offered to the larvae "they ate eagerly". The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. Get a vacuum and suck up all the webs, dust, and other debris in the area, especially on the ceiling. See 3-4 a day. Since there are many different types of bagworm species, this depends on the type youre dealing with. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. Florida Entomologist 40: 145146. For plaster bagworms, this is usually on ceilings, walls, and other humid areas with plenty of debris for the larvae to consume. This is when the bag usually sits on a vertical ledge youll commonly see it stuck to your walls. Then, hang nylon socks with moth repellents like herbs and spices and tape them to the areas with heavy infestations. So if you can keep moths away from your property, youll have fewer bagworms to deal with. Bagworm life cycle in Kansas City. They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. Thats why theyre so prevalent in states like Florida. She remains inside while the winged, male moth does emerge to fly about the infested tree to locate the waiting female. This allows them to quickly reproduce and build up to extreme numbers. As mentioned earlier, these bugs don't eat cotton or nylon. However, you might see it peak its head out of one of those slits to eat. Observations on species of Lepidoptera infesting stored products. The key is to push down firmly on the sponge and go downward in a single motion. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. This explains why theyre commonly found in environments with already high moisture content such as Florida and other coastal states. Specific information of Phereoeca uterella biology is limited. 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. Youll need to get a lengthy object with a pointed end to make punctures. This document is EENY003, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. This kills the plaster bagworm instantly. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. There are six to seven larval instars that require about 50 days to mature. ), 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. Toss them right into the mixture, which will kill them upon contact, and repeat until you see no more bags on your roof! They start as a caterpillar (known as the larvae) and crawl around with the silk bag tied to their backs. New York. 156, new series. The case is only about half an inch long. They roam around with their cases in search of food - random debris, spiderwebs, fabrics, plaster, and even furniture. However, bagworms are moths in the family Psychidae. If you need to resort to chemical pesticides to kill plaster bagworms, heres what youll want to look for. You can make your home more favorable for birds by providing birdbaths, using bird feeders, and placing birdhouses around the area. Bagworms eggs look like pale blue seeds and are usually cemented onto walls with debris or silk. Egg: After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. From the bottom of furniture to the walls in your closet, bagworms have a knack for showing up in all kinds of oddball locations. By late summer . Then theyll pupate and emerge as an adult moth just to continue the cycle. Required fields are marked *. And theres no shame in doing this if the service is good and the price is fair. Plus, its a lot safer compared to chemical compounds which often leave behind nasty and dangerous residues. They dont bite or cause any physical pain if you touch them. The larva walks up a vertical surface and attaches the case at both ends with silk. This is when theyre most active and also the hardest time to get rid of them because their numbers are in full force. Stand back and assess. It's only the wool items you have to protect. 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. If you have a pest problem thats not covered here, feel free to contact me and let me know. I cant sleep. They remain in the pupal stage an average of 15.6 days (range of 11 to 23 days). Now that you know how to get rid of plaster bagworms, its time to put in the time to reclaim your home. 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.). An Introduction to the Study of Insects. Arnett Jr RH. Though they can also be found in broad daylight. until they pupate. Plaster bagworms arent picky about their food source and will eat any organic matter left behind. This will help deter and repel bagworms naturally. Leave the lamp on overnight. The casebearer (AKA casemaking clothes moth) also will make a bag for the larvae which can be found throughout the home. Most people know this species by the name plaster bagworm. State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Tallahassee. Plaster bagworms mainly survive on wool and spiderwebs. 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. Furthermore, household casebearer larvae did not eat cotton products offered by Kea. Bagworm is a caterpillar that molts into a moth in the adult stage. Do some research. They can show up in huge numbers rapidly if you dont start a pest management program. Regardless, the techniques to get rid of them remain largely the same and are effective for both. Bull. You can make your DIY bagworm killer at home using the following recipe: Mix them gently, but avoid excessive foaming of the dish soap. Also, there are many different types of sticky tapes and sticky traps you can use. Watson JR. 1939. Youll have to reapply the tape when it loses its stickiness. The host plants can be a variety of trees . The bagworm is a perennial insect pest of arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, and many other evergreen species (including Christmas trees). Youll want to start your treatment plan to control them by doing a thorough cleaning of infested areas where you see them. 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. Res. There are over 1350 different species all over the world. Also, dont try to attract some bird species that are not native to your area. Theres no limit to where the cases are found. Pay special attention to dusty cabinets and bookshelves. CRC Press. Control of three household insects. The larva is not usually seen by most people. 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. However, thats an ineffective way to get rid of plaster bagworms because it doesnt address the problem at hand! However, I keep my apartment clean. Introduction The household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, is a moth in the Tineidae family of Lepidoptera. 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 adults mate and deposit their eggs which over time will result in these bagworms on your walls and ceilings. On the top and bottom of the oval-shaped case, theres a slit-like opening. Remember that even the smallest web strand provides a complete meal for these pests, so dont skimp on the cleaning. Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service | Orkin Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. Just a small perforation is enough for the dish soap to kill the bagworm. Read some reviews. Theyll emerge when temperatures pick up in the springtime, so the best time to find a bunch of them is during the winter. Curiously enough, plaster bagworms are the larval stage of a moth! There are many types and brands of sticky tape and traps. Some observations on the plaster bagworm, Tineola walsinghami Busck (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). The bagworm is most common in southern regions of Pennsylvania. 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. Before eclosion the pupa pulls itself halfway through the valve. The larvae of all create protective cases out of plant materials or other debris. The larvae hide in the case and shield from predators. proper identification by a specialist is advised, because case-bearing species other than Phereoeca uterella might be in those states. After mating, females lay their eggs on crevices and the junction of walls and floors, cementing them on debris. 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. Both species follow a similar way of life but have different classifications. Youll want to make its secure and wont fall into the mixture and nothing can knock it over. Another microbe you can easily wipe out bagworms is spinosad. Watson JR. 1946. The maxillary palps are smaller than the labial palps, and are folded inwards. They spread from tree to tree by ballooning (they spin a fine web and use wind currents to infest nearby trees). If you do find their cases stuck on your clothing or furniture, double-check for more so you can confirm it wasnt a fluke. Note that spinosad is dangerous to bees and will kill them quickly. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. All have wingless (or nearly wingless) adult females that do not leave their bags, and the males are usually drab blackish shades. They are really gross and now its a phobia for me. An adult female moth that has mated has found its way into your home and laid eggs on your walls. Bosik JJ, et al. American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico. And dont release pressure at any point. The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. The labial palps extend a little beyond the head vestiture (dense covering of hairs). Once the eggs hatch, the larva spins a silk strand that hangs down it. 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. No method is as simple, free, and convenient as removing them by hand. A fully developed larva has a case 8 to 14 mm long and 3 to 5 mm wide. Eggs are soft, pale bluish, and about 0.4 mm in diameter. 3943. If you have ichneumonid wasps, you can attract them to your yard by planting flowers that attract wasps and avoiding ones that dont. Inside your house, protective cocoons can appear anywhere. The entire cycle from egg to adult averages 74.2 days (62 to 86 days). Its bred from bacteria found in the soil and can kill bagworms very quickly. Bagworm eggs hatch in late May or early June, which makes this the ideal time to eradicate them. You can also set up moth traps to catch any adults that attempt to lay eggs to stop future pest problems. Dont worry. Bulletin No. These funky insects can be quite annoying, but arent too difficult to handle as long as you take the right approach. Plaster bagworms are not harmful to humans. 875 pp. Go ahead and mix a bucket full of water and a few drops of dish soap. One second I look and nothing and I turn around for 5 seconds and one is on the floor or wall crawling. As a result, large populations of plaster bagworms can become a massive problem for Floridians. Here is a glimpse into the various Bagworm life stages - The eggs of Bagworm moths hatch in end of May and beginning of June. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. Heres a resource you can check out to find out what foods to feed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Manual removal takes time, but this is one way to clear out a room full of bags. Like any other nuisance bug, plaster bagworms move into homes to find food and shelter. At the tip of each proleg there is an ellipse formed by 23 to 25 very small crochets (a small hook). Its when they mature into adult moths that they move inside and start a new generation. Take a broom to those high corners near the ceiling. A braconid wasp, Apanteles carpatus (Say), parasitizes larvae of case-bearing moths, killing the larva before pupation. She then leaves her bag and drops to the ground; the eggs overwinter. 1933. Entomologica Americana 13: 151203. Youll also want to make sure that you use a desktop lamp thats rated for hours of continuous usage. 39-43. The adult female will deposit hundreds of eggs which hatch into larvae. However, another name change occurred and the current official common and scientific names for this species are the household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham. The adult plaster bagworm moths look like your typical moth. Two hundred eggs may be oviposited by a single female over a period of a week, after which she dies. Remember, these bugs thrive in warm and humid environments. 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. Watson JR. 1946. Plaster worms thrive when the humidity is high. Webs of insects such as booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera) from tree trunks were also suitable food. Use your machines attachments to suck up spiderwebs and plaster bagworm sacs as you see them. Blast them off and clean them up. The larvae part of their life cycle consists of walking around and foraging for food. The insect might use nearby lint, sand, or even dry plaster debris. The thing Im frightened most about is how they appear out of thin air. Learn more. After the bagworm eggs hatch, the larvae start spinning a silk strand that dangles down from the pouch. While it might not seem complex, theres a right and wrong way to deal with these insects! In South America, Phereoeca uterella Walsingham is known to be present in Brazil (state of Para) and Guyana. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). hi Anthony, can you teach me how to get rid of lizards ? 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. Florida Entomologist 17: 66. The cases are constructed by the larval (caterpillar) stage and often attract attention when found in homes.
plaster bagworm life cycle