Uncertainties as to the Identity of these Thread-Making Larvae

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“Tiny worm-like creatures” were found hanging “by a thread of some sort” in this man’s home in Dubai. The creatures in question appear to be minuscule in size (as seen in the photograph below) and transparent, with a bulbous black head.

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Our reader adds that he could not identify the worms as silkworms or inchworms, and so wonders if we can tell him what they are so that he may treat the issue. Furthermore, he states that the worms “came out of nowhere”, and that he has found the worms in many spots in his home. The worm on his finger was found hanging “on its ‘thread’ by the wall”, a group of others were found on a web (pictured below), and lastly he found the spot where the worms seemingly hatched from (also pictured below).

Firstly, we would agree with our reader in saying that these are not silkworms, nor inchworms, simply given their size and coloration. Secondly, these worms are so tiny that it would be quite difficult for us to pinpoint their exact species. Their physical characteristics are quite typical of many larvae, and so they could grow into just about anything. If anything, we might venture to say they are some kind of moth larvae. They definitely do not appear to be any parasite of sorts, or any other harmful larvae for that matter. So, our reader does not need to fear for his safety.

Typical moths found in the home are clothes moths (including the webbing clothes moth and the case-bearing clothes moth) and Indianmeal moths. Out of the two, it is more likely that it is one of the clothes moth larvae, given that they tend to leave behind patches of webbing. Yet, neither webbing clothes moth larvae, nor case-bearing clothes moth larvae tend to hang on threads or make big patches of webbing, so ultimately we would conclude that these are not clothes moth larvae. Of course, one might argue that the web could be that of a spider’s, but that would not explain the larvae hanging by threads in other parts of our reader’s home.

Thirdly, although we are unable to provide a confident identification of the larvae’s species, what we can provide is some general tips on how to deal with this infestation. Typically, the first step to dealing with any bug infestation is locating the source, and it is excellent that our reader seems already to have done this. Vacuuming up the webbing should suffice in ridding that area of any unhatched eggs or other organisms that may be residing there. Next, removing all roaming larvae that are found by simply moving them outside will help to prevent them maturing inside the home and breeding more larvae. Also, if these are moth larvae, they will want to hide in small, dark spaces. Hence, checking underneath furniture, in cupboards and drawers, or in the folds of clothing and other fabrics might yield discoveries of more larvae that can be moved outside. To prevent more larvae from entering the home, ensuring that all cracks in flooring and walling are sealed (where possible) and that window screens are in prime condition will ensure that any tiny critter is unable to enter one’s home simply by walking in.

Furthermore, if our reader wants to get a specific identification of the species, we recommend taking a couple of the larvae and putting them in a container with air holes and some food and waiting for them to mature. This way, the larvae will take on more defining characteristics and it will become easier to tell what species they are. If our reader does this, he may feel free to send in more pictures to us so that we can have another go at identifying these creatures.

To conclude, we are not certain as to the identity of these “worm-like creatures.” Their size, paired with their apparent ability to build webs and hang by threads makes it difficult to discern their exact species. Regardless, our reader should have nothing to worry about in regards to safety, and we are sure that if our reader follows the methods listed above, he will be rid of these creatures in no time.

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Summary
Uncertainties as to the Identity of these Thread-Making Larvae
Article Name
Uncertainties as to the Identity of these Thread-Making Larvae
Description
"Tiny worm-like creatures" were found hanging "by a thread of some sort" in this man's home in Dubai. The creatures in question appear to be minuscule in size (as seen in the photograph below) and transparent, with a bulbous black head.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

4 thoughts on “Uncertainties as to the Identity of these Thread-Making Larvae

  1. When I was a child (around 4 or so) I found something very similar on my grand curtains (UK). When I flicked the curtains they’d drop down on little threads. They had a very distinctive way of moving on the wall, which is very inchworm like. The ones I saw also had that colouring. I have wondered ever since what they were. Utterly fascinating.

  2. I have found these worms on my ceiling lamp shade where hundreds of them were coming down from the ceiling on what seemed like a spider web. I have also previously found them in the garden and have a lot of beige looking sacs on plaster walls. I really hope they are in the worst case, moth larvae :(

    1. They do to me, and entering into my skin like black splinters leaving similar marjs luke acne. They dont itch at all but burn or sting like a splinter. They are everywhere, in clothes, in bedding, and on all house parts on floors. We have white marble floors in most parts of the house, and these black fiber dust splintery like things are everywhere falling off through the spotlight fittings, nearly straight away after cleaning its back again. I have been misdiagnosed with scabiei mite but the spots they cause dont itch at all, it rather burns, and I can feel them in my throat too and causes flu like symptoms! What are these? Doctors are so clueless and im worried.

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