Q: On the sidewalk under a pecan tree every morning I sweep away what looks like one-eightth inch diameter seeds. There is a seam in the middle. What could they be?

A: They are likely the droppings from caterpillars who are feeding on the pecan leaves.

It’s a common complaint in August for folks with a patio or deck to notice olive green droppings that range in size from sesame seed to English pea. You can sometimes hear them clattering through the leaves as they drop. Not the season for breakfast outdoors!

Numerous species of caterpillar are feeding on trees at his time but they do little damage and no control is necessary.

Just wait a week or two until the caterpillars pupate. They may not return next year.

caterpillar dropping

tomato hornworm droppings