How To Get Rid Of Plaster Bagworms In Your Home

If you think those little oval-shaped cases on your walls are just dust, think again. There’s a good chance that these so-called “dust” are tiny, creepy crawlies called plaster bagworms that are making your walls their personal buffet. In case you’re wondering, “What on earth are plaster bagworms?”, here’s what they look like:

These creatures, whose cases look like an unsuspecting speck of dirt, can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation if left unchecked.

What is a plaster bagworm?

Plaster bagworms are the larval stage of a moth, specifically the species Phereoeca uterella. They are often found in homes, particularly in humid climates. They go by various names, including household bagworm, and household casebearer.

Are they harmful?

To humans, no. But to your belonging, yes. Unlike some other pests, plaster bagworms do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They pose no direct threat to your health. They are primarily problematic due to their destructive feeding habits and the unsightly appearance of their cases.

As mentioned earlier, bagworm larvae consume a variety of materials to build their protective cases and sustain growth. This includes fabrics, carpets, upholstery, and even paper products. In severe infestations, bagworms can damage structural materials like plaster, wood, and insulation as they search for food and create their cases.

How to get rid of plaster bagworms in your home

1. Regular cleaning and vacuuming

Do a sweep of your entire house. Vacuum and clean all carpets, corners, ceilings, and baseboards where bagworms love to hide. After vacuuming, wipe down shelves, furniture, and light fixtures to remove dust and debris. Consider using a steam mop to amp up the mopping process.

Black & Decker 5-In-1 Steam Mop, $125.90

This steam mop allows you to clean and sanitise hard floors easily without any chemicals. The 1300W steam mop heats up in just 30 seconds, allowing you to quickly tackle all the dust and dirt.

There’s also a detachable handheld steamer to clean hard-to-reach areas where bagworms may be hiding. With a 5-metre-long cable and large water tank, this allows for easy continuous steam cleaning in entire rooms in one go.

Black & Decker 5-in-1 Steam Mop is available at Lazada.

2. Remove cocoons as soon as you see it

Carefully remove individual cases with a vacuum cleaner, lint roller, or gloves. Dispose of it properly by sealing the cases in a plastic bag and throwing them (far) away to prevent re-infestation. You can very easily purchase a lint roller with refill on major shopping platforms such as Shopee.

Lint roller with extendable handle and refill pack, from $9.49

These pesky insects are gross, and nobody wants to touch them. Use a lint roller with extendable handles to easily grab those plaster bagworm cocoons off any surface — be it high walls, floors, or carpets. 

Lint roller with extendable handle and refill pack is available from $9.49 at Shopee.

3. Create an unfavourable environment

Plaster bagworms thrive in humid environments. These pests are commonly found in warm and moist conditions, which make places like tropical and subtropical regions particularly conducive to their growth.

In humid climates, such as those in Singapore or other parts of Southeast Asia, plaster bagworms are often more prevalent. They tend to infest homes where moisture levels are higher, feeding on materials like spider webs, fabrics, and detritus. Proper ventilation and reducing indoor humidity can help control their presence in homes.

Use a good dehumidifier to create a less hospitable environment for these bagworms to reproduce or grow.

Bestar Ion PureAir Dehumidifier D65, $73.91

Credit: Shopee

The Ion PureAir D65 Dehumidifier is a dehumidifier with a 1.2L tank, and pulls up to 400ml of moisture from the air every day, which means you can go two to three days without emptying the tank. It also has a built-in negative ioniser that can be turned on and off, humidity and timer displays, and can be easily controlled with the remote control included.

Ion PureAir D65 Dehumidifier is available at Lazada and Shopee.

For added protection, you may also seal any cracks or entry points with caulk to prevent them from entering your home.

Selleys No More Gaps Coloured Caulk Gap Filler, $6

Selleys No More Gaps Coloured Caulk Gap Filler comes in different colours to match the surfaces you are working on, eliminating the need for painting over the filler, which saves time and effort. The filler is designed to remain flexible after application, which is important for surfaces that may expand or contract over time. This flexibility helps to maintain a durable seal that doesn’t crack.

Once cured, the product is water-resistant, making it suitable for use in areas that may be exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens. For users who need a custom colour, this gap filler can be painted over with water-based paints, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the surrounding area.

Selleys No More Gaps Coloured Caulk Gap Filler is available at Shopee.

4. Chemical control (only for severe infestations)

Chemical control should be considered a last resort after trying non-chemical methods like vacuuming, sticky traps, and reducing humidity. If the infestation is severe and persistent, insecticides such as multi-insect killers can be used.

Baygon Multi Insect Killer 600ml, $7.65

Best known for its pungent smell, the household Baygon Multi Insect Killer was designed to kill a wide range of insects, including cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, flies, and other common pests, making it versatile for general household use.

Even if you don’t have bagworms, you can also kill other household insects with this insecticide. Win-win. 

Baygon Multi Insect Killer is available on Redmart and Shopee.

Bio-X 3-in-1 Aerosol Spray 600ml, $20.49

If you're concerned about using a chemical insecticide with kids or pets around, consider Bio-X, which eliminates insects but is safe to be used around humans and mammal pets. It's water-based, and according to the company, does not stain fabrics and furniture.

Bio-X 3-in-1 Aerosol Spray is available on Lazada and Shopee.

5. Natural Repellents (non-toxic)

Many people prefer natural insect repellents over chemical sprays for health and environmental reasons. Chemical repellents, especially those containing DEET, can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects in some individuals. Natural repellents, which often use ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus oil, or neem oil, are generally perceived as being gentler on the skin and safer for use, especially for children and pregnant women.

Natural insect repellents are often biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. In contrast, chemical sprays can contain synthetic compounds that may persist in the environment, potentially harming non-target species and contributing to pollution.

You can consider using natural insect repellents to get rid of plaster bagworms if you have kids or pets at home.

STARX Neem oil 99.9%, $8.10

Neem oil is a popular and natural remedy for eliminating pests in general. If you already have neem oil at home, mix a couple of droplets with liquid soap and water to create a homemade repellent. Simply spray the solution on the cocoon. It will block the case’s breathing pores, therefore killing them. 

If you don’t have neem oil, you can always buy ready-to-use formulas such as the above pictured Neem Oil spray. Kills all kinds of insects at all stages of growth, from eggs to larvae and adult garden pests. 

Neem Oil 99.9% (STARX) is available at Lazada and Candy Floriculture.

Diatomaceous Earth (STARX), $9

Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It’s a natural insecticide that dehydrates insects by absorbing the oils from their exoskeletons. You can buy it for less than $10, and it’s also effective against a wide range of other pests including ants, fleas, bed bugs, and cockroaches.

Diatomaceous Earth (STARX) is available at Lazada and Shopee.

A version of this article was originally published on Home & Decor.