Household Casebearer (often specifically the Plaster Bagworm or a generic Clothes Moth larva case)
Scientific Name: Phereoeca uterella (or Tineola bisselliella larva in case)
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
Size: Larval case is typically 8 mm to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in homes, typically on walls, baseboards, closets, or underneath furniture. They thrive in humid environments.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, spider webs, hair, dust, lint, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective, flattened, pumpkin-seed-shaped case made of silk and debris (sand, dust, lint) which it carries around. It can emerge from either end of the case to feed or drag itself along.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a household pest. They do not bite or sting humans, but they can damage natural fibers like wool clothing, rugs, and upholstery. They are beneficial only in that they consume detritus, but the damage to property outweighs this typically.
Identified on: 2/23/2026