Bug Identifier
Household Casebearer (often confused with Plaster Bagworm)
Community identification

Household Casebearer (often confused with Plaster Bagworm)

Phereoeca uterella (or sometimes Phereoeca allutella)

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Tineidae
Size
Larval case is typically 8-13 mm (approx. 0.3-0.5 inches) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in warm, humid climates; they often frequent closets, bathrooms, and garages, sticking to walls, baseboards, and underneath furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivores that feed on old spider webs, wool, hair, lint, dead insects, and other organic debris found in dust bunnies.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a flattened, pumpkin-seed-shaped protective case out of silk and debris (sand, dust, fibers) which it drags along as it moves. It can feed from either end of the case. They are solitary and slow-moving.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a danger. They do not bite or sting humans. However, in large numbers, they may damage wool clothing or fabrics, similar to clothes moths.