Household Casebearer Moth

Natural Habitat

Primarily indoor environments like homes, museums, and warehouses, especially in damp, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, attics, and utility rooms. They are also found outdoors in protected, damp locations.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of materials found in homes and other buildings, including wool, hair (pet or human), carpet, dead insects, spiderwebs, stored food products, and other organic detritus. Adults do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adult moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light. Larvae are case-bearers, constructing a silken case covered in detritus (like sand grains, plant fibers, or even parts of other insects) in which they live and pupate. They drag this case with them as they move and feed. The cases provide protection from predators and desiccation.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to fabrics (wool, silk), carpets, furs, and other keratin or natural fiber products. They are considered a nuisance pest in homes. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits are minimal from a human perspective, but they contribute to the breakdown of organic matter in natural environments.

Identified on: 6/30/2025