Knowledgebase

Tiny white fuzzy droppings #839310

Asked July 06, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT

Grand Rapids mn where we park under maples but other trees & plants in area: these tiny white fuzzy droppings make a mess all over our cars as they smear easily…so many they collect on side of driveway like snow. Have never seen before and has been happening for several weeks. Attaching pictures. The last pic is of the windshield of the car with the white stuff. Please identify as a pollen or pest or whatever.

Itasca County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question. I you are having woolly aphids (Paraprociphilus tessellatus) falling down to visit you. These aphids are called “woolly” because they secrete a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies, giving them a fuzzy or wool-like appearance.

In Minnesota, woolly aphids are a common pest that can cause damage to trees and affect their overall health. See the following for further information including control measures.

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/woolly_and_gall-making_aphids_Eriosomatinae.html - :~:text=Overview,-Photo by Greg&text=Eriosomatinae is the subfamily of,Eriosomatinae are plant parasitic aphids.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/there-are-white-fuzzy-objects-branches-my-maple-tree-are-they-harming-tree - :~:text=The white, fuzzy objects on,are produced in the colonies.

https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/19/woolly-aphids-on-maple-trees/

Interesting critters. Thanks for asking us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 07, 2023, 10:47 PM EDT

Loading ...