Dirt like substance - Ask Extension
We have a black dirt like substance falling on our patio. Have some large tree cover. Looks a lot like dirt but there is not a black dirt pile clo...
Knowledgebase
Dirt like substance #877542
Asked July 16, 2024, 7:51 PM EDT
We have a black dirt like substance falling on our patio. Have some large tree cover. Looks a lot like dirt but there is not a black dirt pile close.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
The photo lacks the detail needed to determine what the dirt-like substance might be. Sharp closeup photos of the particles would help.
However, based upon what we can see, our guess is that the substance is caterpillar droppings known as frass. If so, caterpillars are feeding on leaves somewhere in the tree canopy.
Compare here:
https://images.app.goo.gl/xk1cLZgPYE4yRyAU9
https://images.app.goo.gl/tQz2cdeL54poroMd6
However, based upon what we can see, our guess is that the substance is caterpillar droppings known as frass. If so, caterpillars are feeding on leaves somewhere in the tree canopy.
Compare here:
https://images.app.goo.gl/xk1cLZgPYE4yRyAU9
https://images.app.goo.gl/tQz2cdeL54poroMd6
