Plaster Bagworms

What Do Plaster Bagworms Look Like?

In Florida, there are several types of ants that commonly infest homes and businesses. They range in size from tiny to large and all are social insects, meaning they live and work together in large numbers.  In fact, a single ant colony may contain several thousand ants.  The majority of ants are considered nuisance ants, meaning they’re annoying but not necessarily a threat to health or property.  There are a couple that prove to be more problematic than others.  Keep reading to learn more about all of these ants.

• Eggs: Plaster bagworms live throughout the winter as eggs inside of a protective bag. Usually more than 200 eggs incubate in this protective casing.
• Larvae: During this stage in their lives, plaster bagworms typically cause the most damage. As a larvae, the plaster bagworm creates a bag to protect itself as it feeds on wool, silk, spiderwebs, and other organic material. This bag-like case they create distinguishes this insect from others.
• Pupal: This is known as the resting stage and lasts for about four weeks until the plaster bagworm is ready to emerge as a moth.
• Adults: The adult moths are gray with up to four spots on their fore wings. They have “feathery” hair-like scales along the edge of their hind wings. Females release a pheromone to attract males, and once fertilized, they will find a safe place to lay their eggs to begin their life cycle again.

Bagworms make their notorious protective casings from lint, silk fibers, and other debris they come across. This grey colored bag is about 1 ½ inches long and shaped like a pumpkin seed.  It has slit-like openings located at each end where larvae, once hatched, crawl out to feed.

Where Am I Likely To Find Plaster Bagworms?

Inside, plaster bagworms are most often seen hanging from the ceilings and walls of homes. They move to places in your home where they have access to food. They have a particular liking for stucco walls, cobwebs, and hot, humid climates- making them a common problem inside of structures located in Florida.

Why Do I Have A Problem with Plaster Bagworms?

Plaster bagworms have become a problem in your home because it is offering them a safe, suitable environment to survive with easy access to their favorite food sources. To keep plaster bagworms from taking up residence inside of your home, it is important to use air-conditioners and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels. Plaster bagworms like to feed on dust, lint, and spiderwebs. Therefore, vacuum and dust regularly to remove these common food sources from your home. They also feed on fabrics made of natural fibers so storing clothing and other fabric items in plastic, air-tight containers instead of cardboard boxes is important.

Are Plaster Bagworms Dangerous?

Plaster bagworms are not considered dangerous pests, but they are damaging. The larval stage causes most of the damage inside of a home they have invaded. The larva feeds on and damages rugs, clothing, and fabrics made of natural fibers. They also feed on shed human hair, dead insects, and cobwebs.

How Do I Get Rid Of Plaster Bagworms?

The easiest way to get rid of plaster bagworms is to partner with a professional. If you’ve discovered plaster bagworms in your home or business, Keller’s Pest Control offers effective plaster bagworm control services. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to rid your property of these nuisance pests. To learn more about our services, please contact us today!