Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm)

Typically found indoors in humid climates; common in bathrooms, baseboards, under furniture, and garages. They cling to walls (stucco or plaster) and fabrics.

Larvae feed on spider webs, old insect skins, wool, hair, and other keratin-containing fibers. They are detritivores.

The larva constructs a flattened, pumpkin-seed-shaped protective case out of silk and debris (sand, soil, fibers), which it carries around. It has openings at both ends so the larva can turn around inside without leaving the case to feed from either end.

Risks: Generally harmless to humans (does not bite or sting) but can be a nuisance pest. They may damage woolen fabrics or rugs if infestations are heavy. Benefits: They clean up minor organic debris like spider webs, though this benefit is negligible indoors.