Light Green Grubs Found Inside My Front Door - Ask Extension
I recently returned from a 10 day vacation to find several small green grub–like insects just inside my front door. A couple were alive and squirmin...
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Light Green Grubs Found Inside My Front Door #871243
Asked June 03, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
I recently returned from a 10 day vacation to find several small green grub–like insects just inside my front door. A couple were alive and squirming. They were accompanied by dried earth. See photos attached.
Can you please help me identify this specimen, and advise as to a control approach? Note that my front door does not impinge directly into the front yard. There are a couple of steps and a 6 foot wide concrete porch outside the door.
Allegany County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
We are thinking it was a solitary wasp that was stock piling some prey considering the mud and other dirt/debris. It could have been knocked down when the door was opened.
You can just sweep up and toss outside if you haven't already and the wasp probably moved on to find a better location. Solitary wasps are not typically aggressive and can keep an eye out for any more activity but it should be fine now.
If you notice anything else feel free to send more photos.
Emily
Thank you, Emily! As I was cleaning up some of the mess, I did find a dead wasp on the floor nearby.
Back in the day (late 70’s) I worked for 18 months or so as a termite technician. So I was familiar with that pest and did not feel that the grubs or the mud were indicative of a termite infestation. I thought it could be carpet beetle larvae but the grubs did not match any of the descriptions I read of those insects. I really appreciate your clarification!
You're welcome!
