How To Get Rid Of A Plaster Bagworm

The plaster bagworm is a moth larva that infests homes, especially during the summer. If you live in an area where they are common, you may have heard of them before and know how they get into your house. But perhaps you’re not sure what to do if you find one inside your home.

Plaster bagworms look like small bags made of white silk with dark spots on them. They feed in groups and are usually found on window screens or walls near doors or windows. They like to hide out in the crevices of these places, but once they’re disturbed, they can be seen crawling around on these surfaces.

Getting rid of plaster bagworms can be tricky because this type of pest has many different life stages and will continue to return unless all are eliminated from your home completely. In today’s article, we are talking about the best methods, products, and home remedies you can use to get rid of this pest.

What Is A Plaster Bagworm

1 a bagworm on the ground
Bagworms are the larval stage of a species of moth.

The plaster bagworm is the larval stage of a moth that is closely related to the clothes moth. This is a common pest that is known to invade structures and has even been known to make its way inside of homes.

Plaster bagworms are named for their larval stage, which resembles a small bag made of plant material. When they mature into adults they resemble moths. Both stages of this insect cause damage to plants by feeding on leaves and stems, however, the good news is that these pests do not usually kill healthy trees.

Though they are not dangerous, the plaster bagworm can be destructive. They have a unique diet of human hair, fibers, paper, carpet, wood, and more.

The larvae are brown in color and have a white line down the center of their back. They also have a yellow stripe on each side of their body. The adult moths that the larvae molt into are grayish-brown in color with dark spots on their wings.

The plaster bagworm has a unique appearance that makes it easy to identify. This pest has two main stages: an egg and larva stage, followed by a pupal stage and an adult moth stage. Those who discover this insect may notice small brown bags hanging from their plants or trees in the springtime when temperatures begin to warm up outside again after wintertime. These bags are made out of silk produced by the larvae as they grow inside them during this time period.

The larvae will spin these bags around themselves until they are ready to pupate into cocoons that hang from tree branches or other places where they feel safe while they undergo metamorphosis into adult moths.

Plaster bagworm caterpillars are easy to identify because they have a unique defensive mechanism: they build protective cocoons around themselves using pieces of leaves or flower petals. These cocoons resemble bags covered in white powder.

If you have identified signs of a plaster bagworm infestation around your property, it’s important to consider why you might be dealing with these pests before looking for the proper method of control.

Why Do I Have A Plaster Bagworm On My Property?

2 a bagwrom on a tree
Bagworms can be both an outdoor pest and an indoor pest.

Bagworms are usually found in woodlands and forests where they can feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. In the spring and summer months, their populations can become quite large and they migrate to find new food sources. This migration often brings them into urban areas where they can cause significant damage to trees and shrubs in parks and gardens.

Bagworms are not considered pests until they begin to build their protective cases during the late summer months. Once these bags are formed, they begin feeding on plants by attaching themselves to tree bark or other surfaces with their tiny barbed legs that look like needles.

Bagworms use silk strands to create protective “bags” around their bodies while they feed on nearby plants. These bags are made up of leaves and twigs held together by silk threads produced by female moths who lay eggs inside them as well as other materials including bird feathers or human hair if it’s available nearby!

These pests commonly eat the leaves of their host plant, but they also like to feed on buds, flowers, and stems. Plaster bagworms are attracted to plants that have thick foliage, such as pine trees and crape myrtles. They also enjoy eating trees of heaven and elms. The caterpillars prefer tender new growth on their host plant, but they will eat almost anything they can get their mouths on.

Plaster bagworms are attracted to a wide variety of plants including:

  • Citrus trees (orange trees)
  • Oak trees
  • Privet hedge plants
  • Holly bushes
  • Boxwood shrubs
  • Roses Sage bushes
  • And Juniper shrubs

Plaster bagworms are also known as “waxed cutworms” because of the waxy substance they produce that covers their bodies. This wax protects them from predators and sunburn. The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of their host plant, causing significant damage to the plant’s foliage.

Common damage caused by plaster bagworms includes defoliating trees and shrubs, reducing the amount of fruit produced by fruiting trees, preventing flowers from opening, and weakening plants so that they’re more susceptible to disease and pests.

Best Methods For How To Get Rid Of A Plaster Bagworm

3 a bagwrom moth
Bagworms turn into moths after molting.

Getting rid of plaster bagworms can be challenging because they are often hidden away deep within their protective bags. Some people use pesticides to control them, but these chemicals can be harmful to people and other animals if used improperly or incorrectly.

Some homeowners prefer natural methods for controlling these insects since they don’t pose any threat to humans or pets if used correctly and safely. Professional pest control services can be costly, but many people find that hiring an exterminator is well worth it when compared to the cost of doing it themselves or dealing with an infestation on their own.

There are many different methods available for getting rid of plaster bagworms including insecticides, natural products, home remedies, and professional pest control services.

Insecticides

There are several different kinds of insecticides available at local hardware stores or online retailers that can be used to get rid of plaster bagworms. Insecticides containing chemicals like carbaryl or spinosad can be used to control bagworms in ornamental plantings. Wettable powders are preferred because they allow you to spray larger areas without splashing off the leaves.

Avoid using systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid or neonicotinoids because they kill beneficial insects as well as pests. Always read label instructions carefully before applying any pesticide.

Natural Products

There are natural products you can invest in that can help get rid of plaster bagworms that include ingredients such as neem oil, pyrethrum, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Neem oil is derived from the seeds of an evergreen tree native to India. DE is made up of fossilized algae that looks like broken glass under magnification and it is used as an abrasive or desiccant because it absorbs water very well which dehydrates the insects when they come in contact with it.

Home Remedies

There are several home remedy methods you can use to control plaster bagworms. For example, plaster bagworms do not like natural sunlight, so if you keep your home well-lit, especially during the day, then this may help to prevent them from entering your home. The best way to do this is by using natural lighting sources such as skylights and windows that let in plenty of sunlight.

You can also use electric lights inside your home at night to keep your house well-lit at all times. If you are interested in more home remedies for how to get rid of plaster bagworms, scroll further down to our home remedies section.

Professional Pest Control

If you are finding you can’t get rid of plaster bagworms using our below methods, or if you do not want to go through the trouble of trying out home remedies or making changes around the house to get rid of plaster bagworms, then you might consider hiring a professional pest control company instead. This will allow you to hire someone who knows exactly what they are doing when it comes to pest control and will ensure that all of your problems are taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Best Products For Getting Rid Of A Plaster Bagworm Problem

4 a bagwrom on a pinetree
Bagworms create a plastor casing around themselves.

Plaster bagworms can be a real nuisance. They feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Their infestations are usually found on plants that are in areas with little to no wind or shade. This is because the pests need a certain amount of humidity to survive.

If you have an infestation, there are several types of products that you can use to get rid of them. Some work better than others, but it all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into getting rid of them.

The first type of product that you should try is an insecticide spray. You can use this as a preventative measure before they invade your yard or garden area. The spray will kill any eggs or larvae that may have already hatched out, as well as any adult moths that are still hanging around on your plants.

This will help prevent future infestations from occurring in the same area again this year or next year when the weather conditions change back again and they begin hatching!

Other types of products could include natural products, like we mentioned above, as well as powders or repellents.

We have listed a few products below that we recommend for how to get rid of plaster bagworms.

Bonide Bacillus Thuringiensis Caterpillar and Worm Killer

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Bonide Bacillus Thuringiensis Caterpillar and Worm Killer is an easy-to-use granular insecticide that contains bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki strain ABTS-3504 (Btk). This product kills caterpillars and worms that feed on your plants including bagworms. It also works great against leafminers and moths, including armyworms, cutworms, loopers, and tent caterpillars.

Bacillus thuringiensis contains spores that are released into the environment when it rains or after sprinkling water on your lawn. These spores then go into the soil where they wait until an insect eats them by mistake. The spores will then go into their digestive tract where they will eventually kill them within 48 hours.

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray

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Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray is another effective way to get rid of this pest. The best time to spray your plant or tree to protect them from plaster bagworms is when they first emerge. You can also spray Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray as a preventative measure in late spring before the insects appear.

To use this product to get rid of plaster bagworms, use a hose with an adjustable nozzle to spray Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray directly onto each bag or cluster of bags until they are completely saturated and dripping wet. Wait 24 hours before watering your plants, as too much water will wash away the insecticide before it has time to work properly.

Southern AG Surfactant for Herbicides

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Southern AG Surfactant for Herbicides is an effective method for how to get rid of the plaster bagworm. It is best to use this product early in the spring before the insects begin to emerge from their eggs.

To use this spray, apply it according to the label instructions. The spray will kill any larvae or eggs that are present on your plants. You should spray this directly on the plant where you see signs of infestation. You will need to reapply this product if you notice new growth from these insects later in the season.

HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer

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If you are looking for natural ways to get rid of the plaster bagworm, try using HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer. This is a powder that you can use to kill the bagworms before they turn into moths.

You can use this product on any plants in your yard or garden, but it works best if you apply it before the eggs hatch.

Also known as DE, Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product derived from fossilized algae. For this reason, it is perfectly safe to use around people and pets, and it is harmless to beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs.

BioAdvanced Insecticide Spray

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If you’ve got an infestation in your home or business, BioAdvanced Pest Control can help. This product is a specialized insecticide spray that can kill both adult and larval stages of the plaster bagworm without harming people or pets. It also has an extensive residual effect, meaning it will continue killing any future moths for up to 30 days after application!

To use this product, apply BioAdvanced Insecticide Spray around the affected area where you have noticed plaster bagworms. Spray enough spray on the affected trees, bushes, and plants to wet them completely. Spray at least twice a day until you see results (usually two to three days).

Bonide Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control

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Another way to get rid of plaster bagworms is to spray plants with Bonide Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control. Spray when it is early in the morning when it is cool and cloudy, but before temperatures get too hot. If temperatures are over 85 degrees F., then it is best to wait until evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler. The higher the temperature is, the less effective the product will be.

Make sure that you spray thoroughly on all sides of your plant including underneath it as well as up into its branches and leaves. You want to get inside of any cracks or crevices that you can find because this is where they like to hide during the day. If there are any holes in your plant’s leaves, make sure that you spray those areas as well since this is where they like to hide during the day as well.

Trifecta Crop Control

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Trifecta Crop Control is an effective insecticide for controlling the plaster bagworm pest, as well as many others. It works as a contact and stomach poison, making it great for controlling both adults and larvae.

Trifecta Crop Control kills insects by disrupting their nervous system, causing paralysis and eventual death. This product does not break down into harmful compounds; instead, it stays active for up to four weeks after application, so there are no risks to pollinators or other beneficial insects like bees or ladybugs. As an added benefit, it also kills eggs so you don’t have to worry about having an infestation reappear later on in the season.

Best Products To Prevent Future Plaster Bagworm Problems

5 a diagram of a bagwrom
There are many different products you can use to prevent bagworms and keep them from developing further.

If you’ve ever had a plaster bagworm problem at your home, then you know how frustrating and annoying it can be. Once you get rid of the pests, the last thing you’ll want is to have the pests return!

The good news is that there are products on the market that are specifically designed to prevent future plaster bagworms from invading your spaces.

Once your property has been treated for plaster bagworms and it’s clear that there aren’t any more in sight, then it’s time to start thinking about preventing another infestation from taking place in the future.

There are several different types of products available on the market today that can help prevent plaster bagworms from entering your home. Below are some of our top picks.

Natria Neem Oil Spray For Plants

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Natria Neem Oil Spray is an all-natural insecticide made from neem oil and other natural ingredients. It controls several pests such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, leafhoppers, and more. When mixed with water, it breaks down quickly into nutrients for your plants!

To use Natria Neem Oil Spray For Plants on your plants, spray this product on plants once every two weeks throughout the spring/summer months (when it’s warm enough outside). This will ensure that your plants are protected all year round against pests such as bagworms who would otherwise eat them up!

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray

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Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray is a natural and safe method of preventing the plaster bagworm from attacking your trees. This spray is made from peppermint oil, which is a natural insect repellent.

To use this product, simply spray the trees with this solution in the early morning or late evening when there is no wind. Spray both sides of the leaves, but do not spray when it’s raining or humid outside.

If you have already noticed an infestation of bagworms on your trees, don’t worry — Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray will still work! Just spray it directly onto the bagworms and they will fall off onto the ground where they can’t hurt your trees anymore!

Best Home Remedies For Plaster Bagworm Control

6 a healthy tree
Boric acid can be a good home remedy to get rid of bagworms.

If you prefer to forgo using store-bought products to get rid of plaster bagworms, there are plenty of household ingredients and items that can work well to kill and prevent these pests when used correctly.

Some of the most effective home remedies for how to get rid of plaster bagworms include:

Vacuuming:

Vacuum plaster bagworms up with your vacuum attachment. This is not the easiest way to get rid of the worms, however, but only because it can be time-consuming. However, if you only have a few plaster bagworms clinging to trees or along your home’s siding, this can be an effective method.

Use Boric Acid:

Boric acid powder is a common product often used for laundry and cleaning. To use this method, simply sprinkle boric acid powder around baseboards and other areas where you find plaster bagworms. Since plaster bagworms often feed on the wood meal in your home’s sidings or flooring, they will accidentally ingest this substance, which will kill them.

Use Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioning can be used as part of a treatment plan for getting rid of plaster bagworms inside of the home. The key is to set your thermostat at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The lower temperature will cause the moths and larvae to die off within 24 hours.

You’ll need to keep the temperature low in your entire home — not just in one room — because they breed on various surfaces including windowsills and ceiling tiles throughout the house. If you have central heating or cooling, then turning it down should also help kill off any remaining larvae that managed to survive the initial treatment with cold air from an air conditioner.

Use A Dehumidifier

If you don’t want to use an air conditioner but still want to kill off the moths and larvae with cold temperatures, then using a dehumidifier is a good alternative. You can either place it in your attic or crawlspace or keep it in your basement. This will keep the temperature down and kill off any larvae or moths that may be there.

Dehumidifiers also reduce excess moisture, which bagworms also need to thrive. Best of all, dehumidifiers can help repel other pests as well like roaches, ants, and more.

Try Using Essential Oils

You can make your own essential oil spray to get rid of plaster bagworms by mixing water with two tablespoons of dish soap, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, and ten drops each of clove, cinnamon, or peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on your trees once a week until you see all the bags disappear from your trees.

Getting Rid Of A Plaster Bagworm – Experts Weigh In

6 boric acid
Getting rid of bagworms can help create new growth.

While plaster bagworms can be a nuisance, they are fairly easy to get rid of. There are many methods that will kill these pests, but it’s important that you choose one that works for you and will not harm your home or family.

Here are some other expert tips for getting rid of plaster bagworms:

Seal up cracks and crevices around your home. Plaster bagworms love dark places, so sealing off cracks and crevices is one way to keep them out of your home.

This includes sealing up openings like under doors, behind shutters, and in between window panes. Seal up any holes in your siding with silicone caulk or other sealants. It is also important to fix any leaks in your roof as soon as possible because water attracts plaster bagworms as well as other pests like termites and ants.

Other methods for controlling and repelling the plaster bagworm include:

  • Store food and garbage properly
  • Keep up with routine landscaping
  • Dust and sweep often
  • Use a pest control method you trust year round
  • Contact a professional if you can’t seem to get rid of plaster bagworms

So, have you ever encountered a plaster bagworm before without realizing what it was? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading!

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