How To Get Rid Of Plaster Bagworm – Plaster Bagworm Infestation 

Pests are dangerous for the wellbeing of the people in the household and for the property as well. They can cause enormous damage to the health of your loved ones as well as the overall property. Plaster bagworms are one such pests that are largely dangerous for the household and the things in it. They are a type of moth that can grow and survive in humid conditions.

Phereoeca uterella is a species of moth belonging to the family Tineidae. It is commonly known as the plaster bagworm

These pests deface walls, ceilings and surfaces with their ugly-looking nests prepared from debris, household materials, sand, lint, silk etc. Their high reproductive rates can make infestations more serious if left untreated. Read this blog to know more about the ways to get rid of plaster bagworms in your home. 

How Do Plaster Bagworms Appear?

They have a cream or tan coloured body that is also covered with a large amount of fine dark hair. Their case has tapered ends and a broad centre with slits at either end that helps them in entering inside easily. 

What Do These Pests Like To Feed On?

The plaster bagworm likes to feed on dirt, cobwebs, lint, woollen fabrics, animal and human hair, soil, dead insects, lint, and even waste larvae cases of bugs belonging to their own species.

Factors that attract plaster bagworm to any property:

Plaster bagworms can enter properties that fulfil their basic requirements such as food, water and shelter for survival. Listed ahead are some factors that attract these pests to your house:

• Humidity

   if your home has humidity levels, then it is likely to attract these pests. Plaster bagworms will hide in your property to save themselves from cold weather. You are likely to have these pests if you stay in a coastal area with temperatures higher than normal.

• Cobwebs

  Properties with cobwebs are always attractive for plaster bagworms as these cobwebs offer them with silk fibre necessary for their nutrition and for making their case. 

• Insect remains

  Plaster bagworms also consume dead insects and their remains. They can invade your home if your premises has garbage, shrubs, overgrown plants etc. These pests eat such plants as well as natural fibres. 

Signs Of a Plaster Bagworm Infestation

• Small brownish-grey moths hovering near infested portions such as corners of rugs, baseboards, below chairs etc. in the house
• Finding a silk case in various parts of the home.
• Coming across grey cocoon-like structures on walls and ceilings in the house.

Ways To Get Rid of a Plaster Bagworm Infestation 

Plaster bagworms can cause widespread damage in residential properties. The easiest way to get rid of a plaster bagworm infestation is by implementing preventative techniques and measures throughout your home:

• Keeping the moisture and humidity levels in the property to lower levels is helpful in keeping off these pests. Increasing the ventilation around the house by turning on the fans and air conditioning can create a less favourable environment for the pest.
• Eggs of these pests can be eliminated by using a basic soap-water solution. Dip a sponge or a rag in this solution and begin scrubbing walls in a gentle manner and in a single motion. You need to be careful as the paint may come off if done in a wrong manner.  
• Vacuuming the house regularly can remove any debris and waste that can be used as nesting material by these moths. Routine vacuuming also can remove the cases of these worms, cobwebs, dander and fur which is used by plaster bagworms for making their nests. Make sure to carefully dispose their cases and place it in a sealed garbage bag.
• You also will have to find and seal cracks, crevices and gaps existing in walls, ceilings, window and doorframes as those are used by these insects for entering any property.
• Keep the external area of your property free from dead litter, overgrown shrubs, branches, fallen leaves as these can draw plaster bagworms to your home.
• These pests also feed on fabrics made of natural fibres including wool, and silk. Hence, you should be storing the clothes of these fabrics in airtight, plastic encasements. Air these fabrics for a few hours after washing them in hot water so that any moth eggs or larvae inside can be eliminated with the help of sunlight.
• Keep your surroundings and home clean at all times by sweeping it regularly. Plaster bagworms also consume dead insects, insect parts and their remains, hair of human and animals.
• Using air blowers on the external premises can also help in keeping off dirt and debris that plaster bagworms use for making their nests.
• Keep a bird feeder and a water container to get sparrows, woodpeckers and other birds that prey on plaster bagworms. This simple technique will also be helpful in preventing these pests from increasing in your property.
• Sticky traps also can be useful in trapping these worms onto their surfaces.
• Rotten wood also attracts plaster bagworms to your home which in turn also leads to fungal and bacterial growth. Since rotten wood contains moisture, it is appropriate to replace the rotten wood to protect your property from such pests. 
• Spray pesticides and insecticides are also effective in getting rid of plaster bagworms living in various portions of your home. Sprays containing pyrethrin are a good option to get rid of these pests. These bugs are not as stubborn as other pests and hence can be gotten rid of easily.  
• Spinosad is another insecticide that can help in getting rid of plaster bagworms after following due precautions and wearing safety gear. 

This blog described various measures and techniques to eliminate plaster bagworms from residential premises. Opting for professional pest control solutions is recommended for home-owners experiencing plaster bagworm infestations in their property.

Their presence makes the kitchen, dining and bathrooms look extremely embarrassing and unpleasant. A pest control professional will inspect the property and look into all factors responsible for drawing these pests to your home. After which a treatment is done covering all the infested portions of the property.