Household Casebearer

Natural Habitat

Indoors, typically found in damp, dark areas such as closets, bathrooms, and basements. They can also be found on walls and ceilings.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on a variety of organic materials, including spiderwebs, hair, pet fur, wool, silk, lint, and other natural fibers. They are also known to feed on dried insect specimens or other proteinaceous materials.

Behavior Patterns

The most distinctive behavior is the construction of a portable, silken case covered with debris (like lint, sand, or insect droppings), which the larva carries with it everywhere. It extends its head and legs from one end to move and feed, and retreats fully inside when disturbed. Adult moths are typically poor flyers and are often seen crawling.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include minor damage to natural fiber products like woolens, carpets, or upholstered furniture if infestations are severe, but they are generally considered occasional nuisance pests. They are not known to pose direct health risks to humans. They can be beneficial in consuming spiderwebs and other detritus.

Identified on: 9/5/2025