Hello Melba,

Unfortunately, without a picture, I won't be able to provide a positive ID. A couple of possibilities are listed below.

Saltmarsh caterpillar - https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_ag/hemp-salt-marsh-caterpillar 

Mexican bean beetle - https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mexican-bean-beetle-vegetables/

Not white or a caterpillar but this is the most common fuzzy thing that defoliates beans. 

Hopefully this helps!

Robby

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 2:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Hey Melba,

It looks like it is likely a saltmarsh caterpillar, they can have several different color morphs. It is most definitely a caterpillar, which means that the biopesticide Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) will effectively kill them without harming any other insects (including pollinators) that are on your plants. Other insecticides such as carbaryl and pyrethroid will also effectively kill this insect. 

If there aren't many of them, you may be able to physically pick off the caterpillars while wearing gloves, and then smash them. 

Good luck!

Robby