Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars
Question:	We have noticed there are caterpillars everywhere around and on our home. The unusually high numbers are on the sliding glass door by the backyard, along the walls of the house, under and around our deck, as well as in and around the garage. Is this the year for caterpillars?
Answer:	Caterpillars come and go. They are seasonal and are worse some years than others. If they are crawling on the house, they are probably done feeding on the trees or landscape. Caterpilllars spend a few days walking around to clear their gut before they form a cocoon. At this stage they can be mechanically removed with brooms, or they can be treated with a pyrethrin (or a related chemical) spray that will give a quick knockdown. The caterpillars more likely will turn into drab moths. I could only guess at the species without seeing the caterpillar.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/index.html
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.