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How to get rid of plaster bagworms from your home in Singapore

Dust worm goes by several names such as plaster bagworm, household bagworm, household case bearer, and clothes moth.

A plaster bagworm attached to the wall; Gya Labs Cedarwood Essential Oil. (Photo: Reta Lee/Yahoo Life Singapore; Amazon SG)
A plaster bagworm attached to the wall; Gya Labs Cedarwood Essential Oil. (Photo: Reta Lee/Yahoo Life Singapore; Amazon SG)

Have you seen an oval-shaped case that looks like a speck of dust on your wall? Well, it is actually a living thing—an insect called dust worm, which is also known as plaster bagworm.

What is dust worm/plaster bagworm?

Dust worm goes by several names such as plaster bagworm, household bagworm, household case bearer, and clothes moth. It is a type of moth, which is small and brownish-gray in colour. The dust-like case is its cocoon: the pupal stage before a moth emerges from it.

The larva of the dust worm constructs a small, silken case that it carries around with it as it feeds and grows. The case is made of silk and bits of the material it is feeding on, such as plaster, fabric, or other organic matter, like your hair, found in homes or buildings.

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Are dust worms/plaster bagworms harmful to humans?

No they're not harmful to humans. Even if you do pick them up by hands, they will not harm you in any way nor they're toxic to you or your pets. The larvae feeds and damages your home items like furniture, clothing and things made of natural fabrics.

Plaster bagworm larva feeds on fur, wool, dead skin fragments, hair and paper.
Dust worm larva feeds on fur, wool, dead skin fragments, hair and paper. (Photo: Getty)

Should I worry about dust worms/plaster bagworms?

Although the adult moths are not usually considered a problem, dust worms are considered pests because their larvae can damage fabrics, carpets, and other materials in homes and buildings.

They are often found in humid and warm environments, such as bathrooms and closets, and are attracted to light. However, given Singapore’s hot and wet climate, their pupae will pretty much appear on any of our walls and ceilings, especially if you don’t have the aircon turned on.

How do I get rid of dust worms/plaster bagworms?

1. Identify the infested areas

Look for signs of infestation, such as the presence of the larvae and their silken cases. Check areas where the dust worms are most commonly found, such as bathrooms and closets.

2. Clean the areas

Thoroughly clean the areas where the dust worms are present, removing any debris or organic material that can be used as food for the larvae. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust worm and their cases. If it's too much of a hassle to take out the vacuum cleaner just to remove one or two dust worm cases, you can also use a lint roller.

I prefer to use a lint roller to remove the plater bagworm case.
I prefer to use a lint roller to remove the dust worm case. (Photo: Lim Yian Lu)

4. Seal cracks and crevices

Seal any cracks or crevices in the walls or floors that can be entry points for the dust worms. This will prevent them from coming back into your home.

5. Use insecticides

Apply an insecticide specifically labelled for use against dust worms, or an all-insect killer, to the infested areas, following the instructions carefully.

Are there natural remedies to remove dust worms/plaster bagworms?

If you have pets or kids at home, using insecticides may be relatively too toxic. Instead, you can opt for these natural ways to get rid of dust worms.

1. Use sticky traps

You can make sticky traps by spreading a layer of sticky material, such as petroleum jelly, on a piece of cardboard or sticky tape. Place the traps in areas where dust worms are likely to be found, and they will get stuck to the sticky surface.

Close-up of the clothes moth. The non-toxic sticky trap attracts male moths with pheromones.
Close-up of the clothes moth. The non-toxic sticky trap attracts male moths with pheromones. (Photo: Getty)

2. Use neem oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective against dust worms. Mix a small amount of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the infested areas.

3. Use diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from the fossilised remains of small aquatic organisms. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the infested areas, and it will dehydrate and kill the bagworms.

4. Use essential oils

Some essential oils, such as cedarwood, lavender, and peppermint, are natural insect repellents. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the infested areas.

How do I prevent dust worms/plaster bagworms from returning?

Preventing re-infestation may require ongoing efforts, such as maintaining good sanitation practices and regularly monitoring the infested areas. If the infestation is severe or persists despite your efforts, it may be necessary to contact a pest control professional.

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1. Tefal TY1129 X-Nano Handstick Vacuum Cleaner

S$188 S$299 at Lazada Singapore

Tefal TY1129 X-Nano Handstick Vacuum Cleaner. (PHOTO: Lazada)
Tefal TY1129 X-Nano Handstick Vacuum Cleaner. (PHOTO: Lazada)

2. Black + Decker Advanced Clean Cordless Handheld Vacuum

S$81.84 S$87 at Amazon Singapore

Black + Decker Advanced Clean Cordless Handheld Vacuum. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
Black + Decker Advanced Clean Cordless Handheld Vacuum. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

3. Gya Labs Pure Lavender Oil Essential Oil

S$9.99 at Amazon Singapore

Gya Labs Pure Lavender Oil Essential Oil. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
Gya Labs Pure Lavender Oil Essential Oil. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

4. Shieldtox NaturGard All Insect Killer Spray, Citronella

S$8.55 S$9 at Amazon Singapore

 Shieldtox NaturGard All Insect Killer Spray, Citronella. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
Shieldtox NaturGard All Insect Killer Spray, Citronella. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

5. Superplant Organic 5-in-1 Plant Booster Spray Natural Fertilizer, Fungicide & Pest-Repellent

S$14.70 at Amazon Singapore


SUPERPLANT Organic 5-in-1 Plant Booster Spray | Natural Fertilizer, Fungicide & Pest-Repellent. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
SUPERPLANT Organic 5-in-1 Plant Booster Spray | Natural Fertilizer, Fungicide & Pest-Repellent. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

6. Miele AirClean 3D Efficiency Dust Bag

S$38.41 S$42.63 at Amazon Singapore

Miele 10123210 AirClean 3D Efficiency Dust Bag. (PHOTO: Amazon)
Miele 10123210 AirClean 3D Efficiency Dust Bag. (PHOTO: Amazon)

7. Scotch-Brite Super Microfiber Mop Refill

S$12.10 at Amazon Singapore

Scotch-Brite Super Microfiber Mop Refill. (PHOTO: Amazon)
Scotch-Brite Super Microfiber Mop Refill. (PHOTO: Amazon)

8. Liao Lint Roller with 2 refills

S$3.90 at Amazon Singapore

LIAO Lint Roller with 2 refills. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
LIAO Lint Roller with 2 refills. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

9. Sticky Lint Roller

S$3.20 at Lazada Singapore

Sticky Lint Roller. (PHOTO: Lazada Singapore)
Sticky Lint Roller. (PHOTO: Lazada Singapore)

10. Now Essential Oils, Peppermint Oil

S$12.64 S$16.90 at Lazada Singapore

NOW Essential Oils, Peppermint Oil. (PHOTO: Lazada Singapore)
NOW Essential Oils, Peppermint Oil. (PHOTO: Lazada Singapore)
Yahoo Shopping Southeast Asia
Yahoo Shopping Southeast Asia