Have you been noticing little bags made of leaves stuck to your home? Most of the time they are about a quarter of an inch in length. What are they? Most likely you are seeing Bagworm Moths. No doubt you find them annoying as they are stuck to the walls of your home. So what attracts them to your home? Are they harmful pests? Let’s take a few minutes to explain these insects to you!
What are Bagworm Moths
For those of your like the scientific names its known as the Psychidae and are part of the Lepidoptera family. There are many different types of bagworms around the world with about 1,3500 known species. They get their name from the way they behave in the pupae stage. Different bagworms use different materials, but all build a case or bag they can hide in (See the picture for one photographed in Punta Gorda). In this stage, one end of the bag is open and acts as a protector. When the bagworm moth feel danger is close by they can hide in the bag. They carry this bag with them while they eat during this stage. Here in Florida we notice them on the sides of houses. Especially near outdoor porch lights. They are more noticeable on light colored exteriors. When they are done feeding during the pupae stage, they will anchor their bag and hide inside during the transformation into a moth. When the moth is fully developed they craw out and fly away. Leaving the bag behind for you to clean up!
These bags you will find, have an incredible anchor system. Being able to withstand heavy rains and winds. Because of this, they are nearly impossible to remove even with a power washer. In fact if you turn the power washer up, you risk damaging your home before these bags become dislodged. Do you even need to remove them? are they dangerous?
Do They Cause Damage?
To humans, no. Bagworms are simply a nuisance to keeping your home clean. They can cause damage to plants. When in the larval or pupae stage they eat the leaves of host plants. If there are enough bagworms on one host they can cause significant damage. Since the cases they make are constructed with debris from the environment around them, they are very well camouflaged. Hiding in plain sight can make it difficult for other natural predators to find and eat them. With this natural protection, in many cases their population goes unchecked in nature. So what is next?
How Do I Get Rid Of Them?
If they are on your home, most likely they are empty cases. Unfortunately the best was to remove them is by hand. They are difficult to brush or power wash off your home. Make sure you dispose of them. If any are still in the pupae stage and you just pull off and throw on the ground, the life cycle will just continue. If it seems they are increasing or you notice them on any plants of shrubs make sure you let us know. The technicians at Problem Solved Pest will inspect and come up with a plan to treat or control these bagworms if necessary. We have worked hard and build incredible knowledge of local pests over the past 40+ years.
Don’t risk damage to your landscaping or fruit trees. If you notice anything unusual with your trees please contact us. As a customer there is no charge to ask questions and to have us take a look at a concern while we are treating your yard. Make sure you read our reviews. We know you have seen our orange trucks and signs in your neighborhoods. If you are not a customer, its time you make the switch to the best locally owned and operated company!
