Household Casebearer (often Plaster Bagworm or Case-bearing Clothes Moth larva)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors on walls, in closets, under furniture, or on carpets. They thrive in humid environments and are often seen in homes in warmer climates like Florida.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich materials such as wool, silk, fur, hair, and feathers. They also eat spider webs, dead insects, lint, and general household dust.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective case out of silk and debris (sand, dust, lint) which is shaped like a flattened pumpkin seed or diamond. It drags this case around as it moves and can pull itself inside completely when threatened. They eventually pupate inside the case before emerging as small moths.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are household pests that can damage clothing, rugs, and upholstery made of natural fibers. They do not bite or sting humans and pose no direct health threat. Benefits: Minimal, other than playing a small role as detritivores recycling organic matter.

Identified on: 2/19/2026