
Community identification
Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm)
Phereoeca uterella
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
- Size
- 8–13 mm in length (the silk case)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found inside homes on walls, floors, and under furniture, as well as in garages and sheds.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on spider webs, wool, human hair, fur, and silk. They are frequent consumers of natural fibers and organic debris.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a portable, cigar-shaped protective case made of silk and covered with sand, dust, and fiber. They drag this case with them as they move, extending their head and legs to crawl. When threatened, they retract completely into the case.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered a minor domestic pest. Risks include potential damage to wool clothing, rugs, and specialty fabrics. They are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting, but can be an indicator of high humidity or organic debris build-up.