Caterpillars on House - Ask Extension
A huge number of caterpillars have been climbing up the sides of my house for about the last two weeks mainly on the west and south sides, both of whi...
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Caterpillars on House #870965
Asked May 31, 2024, 1:52 PM EDT
A huge number of caterpillars have been climbing up the sides of my house for about the last two weeks mainly on the west and south sides, both of which backup to woods and are shaded a large part of the day. They are about an inch to inch and a half long and seem to have some type of sticky substance that makes them cling and smears when I try to brush them off. When I do brush them off, they immediately start to climb the sides of the house again. To me they look like tent caterpillars, but I thought they lived in trees not on houses. And I can find no tent caterpillar tents in any of the trees (mostly maples and oaks) around the house. They really are a nuisance and are staining the paint on the house. Would appreciate thoughts on what they are, how long they might be active, and how to get rid of them. Thank you very much.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi
These are spongy moth caterpillars. ( the rows of red and blue dots are good ID keys) They are looking for trees to climb and feed on, their favorites being oaks. They can feed on many trees including evergreens.
Here is some information on what to do to manage them around your home:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/gypsy-moth/index
An insecticide labeled as safe to use around the base of your foundation may give you some control. Try hosing them off the side of the building first, then treat with an insecticide, carefully following all directions and precautions on the label. Be sure to use insecticides only on surfaces the label specifies. (that is, don’t use just any insecticide on trees/shrubs, unless that tree or shrub is listed on the label)
These are spongy moth caterpillars. ( the rows of red and blue dots are good ID keys) They are looking for trees to climb and feed on, their favorites being oaks. They can feed on many trees including evergreens.
Here is some information on what to do to manage them around your home:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/gypsy-moth/index
An insecticide labeled as safe to use around the base of your foundation may give you some control. Try hosing them off the side of the building first, then treat with an insecticide, carefully following all directions and precautions on the label. Be sure to use insecticides only on surfaces the label specifies. (that is, don’t use just any insecticide on trees/shrubs, unless that tree or shrub is listed on the label)
