mystery droppings - Ask Extension
Tiny,1/8" black droppings from trees which become 1/4" when wet. These fell for a couple of weeks . Also, dozens of caterpillars have fallen as of la...
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mystery droppings #353209
Asked August 15, 2016, 10:20 AM EDT
Tiny,1/8" black droppings from trees which become 1/4" when wet. These fell for a couple of weeks . Also, dozens of caterpillars have fallen as of last night's storm. What are these things? Dangerous? What can we do?
I'm trying to send some photos.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
These droppings are most likely from caterpillars feeding in a tree above the deck or lower surface. If the tree is an oak tree, the culprits are probably yellownecked oak caterpillars. These insects are prevalent and still active in our area.
These are late season feeders and do not inflict serious or lethal damage to the trees.
LS
These are late season feeders and do not inflict serious or lethal damage to the trees.
LS
