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White objects on cedar pavilion #871441

Asked June 03, 2024, 11:28 PM EDT

I have very small white worm like creatures on my outdoor pavilion. Especially on the four columns. They sometimes hang from a thin web like substance. What are they? Will they destroy wood? Treatment to get rid of them?

Williamson County Tennessee

Expert Response

Can you attach photos?  This is very difficult to diagnose without photos. 

I hope this helps. Replied June 05, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
Agreed.  When the general public says "worms" we often assume that they are a caterpillar of some sort, but "worms" can also refer to earthworms, roundworms, maggots, etc., etc. At this time of the year, there are very few caterpillars that are migrating from their food sources, but seeing that you are located in Tennessee, you may be experiencing migrations of forest tent caterpillars, mimosa webworms or one of several other caterpillars. It is also the time for some of the small flies that mine leaves of plants or cause galls to escape their homes to search for places to pupate. As stated, if you can use your cell phone to take a picture or two, it will really help. Most importantly, just get your phone camera 6-8 inches away and take the picture. DO NOT use the zoom when taking close-up pictures as this will throw the focus out. We would prefer a small image of the critter in focus than a large blurry image. 
David Shetlar (the BugDoc) Replied June 05, 2024, 11:04 AM EDT

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