An Overview of Plaster Bagworms found in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, & Parrish, FL

Plaster bagworms are commonly found inside and outside homes and commercial buildings in Florida.  Most of the pest control-related complaints we receive from these problem creators is the unpleasant appearance they create while clinging to the exterior of homes in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area.  Plaster bagworms, also known as household casebearers, are pests that feed on various organic materials, including cotton, wool, silk, and feathers. They can be a nuisance inside of a home, especially in areas with a lot of fabric or soft furnishings. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of plaster bagworms and the steps you can take to get rid of them.

Identifying Plaster Bagworms Found in Sarasota

Plaster bagworms are tiny, worm-like insects that are approximately 1/2-inch long. They have a brown or gray body and a shiny head. Their protective bag will take on the color of whatever material they made it out of.   They get their name from the silken cocoons, or “bags,” that they build to protect themselves while they grow into adult moths. These bags are usually found hanging from the ceiling, in corners, or along baseboards.  Outside the home, they are typically found hanging from your soffit or from stucco walls.  

Read More: Pest Control in Lakewood Ranch

 

Life Cycle 

The life cycle of plaster bagworms consists of four stages: 

1. 1. Eggs: The life cycle of a plaster bagworm begins with the laying of eggs by a female moth.  She lays her eggs inside the silken cocoon (bag).  She builds that bag to protect herself while she grows into an adult.  More than 200 eggs can be found inside their protective casing.  
   2. Larvae: As the eggs hatch, the larvae begin feeding on organic materials.  They typically have a brown or grey body with a shiny head.  The larvae feed aggressively during this stage resulting in rapid growth.  As they grow, they will molt several times. They will continue to add material to the cocoons as they grow to make them more substantial
   3. Pupae: As the larvae reach adulthood, they spin a pupal case within the cocoon and enter the pupae stage.  They will transform, changing from worm-like larvae, into adult moths.  The case is typically light brown in color and is found near the end of the cocoon.  This stage will last for several days to a few weeks.  This is influenced by temperature and other environmental conditions.  
   4. Adults: As the pupae stage completes, adult moths emerge from the case.  The newly developed moths are tiny with brown or grey wings.  The newly developed moths will mate shortly after and the cycle will begin again.

The Damage Caused by Plaster Bagworms

Plaster bagworms can cause significant damage to items in homes, especially if left unchecked. They feed on various organic materials, including clothing, upholstery, carpets, curtains, and even paper products. The damage they cause can be cosmetic, such as holes or frayed edges.

Getting Rid of Plaster Bagworms from Your Sarasota Home

Getting rid of plaster bagworms requires a combination of preventative pest control treatment and active area treatment. The first step in IPM (Integrated pest management)is to reduce the amount of organic material they can feed on in your home. This may include limiting soft furnishings, storing clothing and fabrics in airtight containers, and keeping your home clean and free of clutter and dust.  They will use dust, drywall debris, spider webs, and other tiny pieces of clutter to make their cocoons.  Pest control always starts with cleanliness and sanitation.   

The next step is to use chemical treatments to kill them. There are a variety of insecticides available that are effective.  If you need to get rid of plaster bagworms near Sarasota, contact us for help.  Plaster bagworms can be removed from the home’s exterior during the web dusting process we provide during our pest control treatments.    

Read More: Pest Control in Sarasota

 

Prevention of Plaster Bagworms in Sarasota

Preventing plaster bagworms from residing in your home is the best way to avoid the damage they can cause. Some tips for preventing infestations include:

• • Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home

• • Storing clothing and fabrics in airtight containers

• • Keeping your home free of clutter and organic materials

• • Sealing cracks and holes in your walls and ceilings

• • Installing screens on windows and doors
  • Adding door sweeps to all patio and entry doors. 

We Can Get Rid of them!

In conclusion, plaster bagworms can be a nuisance in homes and commercial facilities in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Parrish areas of Florida by causing damage to organic materials. To get rid of them, it is important to reduce the amount of organic material, contact a professional pest control exterminator company such as Rodent Solutions to apply chemical treatments, and take steps to prevent infestations from happening in the first place with exclusion methods. With a little effort, you can keep your home free of these pests and enjoy a clean, damage-free environment.  If you would like help with these annoying pests, contact us today.