Household Casebearer (also known as the Plaster Bagworm or Phereoeca uterella)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in humid climates, often in closets, under furniture, in corners on walls, or on spiderwebs. They are common in Florida and other warm regions.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on old spider webs, wool, hair, lint, and other fibers. They do not eat plaster, despite the common name.

Behavior Patterns

The larva builds a flattened, pumpkin-seed-shaped silk case around itself for protection, which it drags along as it moves. It camouflages the case with dust, sand, and debris. They are most noticeable when dragging their cases up walls to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a significant threat. They do not bite or sting humans, but they can feed on wool clothing or rugs if infestations are heavy. They create unsightly cases on walls but are otherwise mostly harmless debris recyclers.

Identified on: 2/8/2026