Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm)
Scientific Name: Phereoeca uterella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size: 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, found on walls or floors in humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on spider webs, wool fibers, hair, and human hair/skin debris
Behavior Patterns
Larvae construct a silk case reinforced with sand, dust, and lint which they carry for protection while moving and feeding
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but can damage delicate fabrics and are considered a household nuisance
Identified on: 1/13/2026