
Community identification
Plaster Casebearer (Household Casebearer)
Phereoeca uterella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- 8 to 13 mm (case size)
Natural Habitat
Indoors, on walls, in closets, garages, and humid areas of homes
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on natural fibers, wool, silk, hair, cobwebs, and organic debris
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a portable, flattened, spindle-shaped case out of silk, sand, dust, and fiber fragments, from which it extends its head to crawl and feed
Risks & Benefits
Pest that can damage fabrics, clothing, and carpets; harmless to humans and pets with no venom or biting ability