I have questions about 2 things (possibly unrelated?).
First there are small lines/grains of rice size things on a wooden play structure. Does anyone know what this is? They are small the size of grains of rice and only found in one or twos, but they are all over. Some are deep in the wood and some are laying right on top. Is this an insect egg? They don't just flake off you have to dig them out. This is on a wooden playground and we live in New England. Are they larvae, termites, a powder post beetle? They are super small and thin and look like a grain of rice. They aren't clustered together, more so of one here and there.
Secondly there are larger dots in a row - possibly related or unrelated- what are these lines of dots? Pollen collection from the rain where it drips or powder post beetle?
Are either of these of concern?
Thank you.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Im not sure about the dots but the rice could be mouse droppings.
Re: the possible mouse droppings - How? Those are also on the vertical structure parts, so the grain of rice things would fall to the floor..?
The white rice like things look like wood-boring beetle larvae and the white spots look like residue from the adults who are feeding on the wood. There are home remedies if this is what you have, but most people say you need an exterminator to get rid of them. Post back with an update.
Does this picture help? Zoomed in - look at the ends on both sides...?! Is it fungus or mold? Or does something have an antennae on both sides?
Close up they look more like termite larvae or maggots. I don't think they look like the lice or springtails.
Are you in the US? I would send this to your local home extension office:
pickyourown.org/
My concern is termites or the beetles are going to destroy the wood fast. Maggots are just disgusting and turn into flies, but this time of year flies are nasty, but at least they don't destroy wood that I know of.
If it is termites, don't mess with home remedies....I am all about natural and home remedies for just about everything. Termites need to be exterminated by a pro. Just be very careful with the site post treatment as these are dangerous chemicals.
Post back what you learn from the experts.
UPDATE - the rice pieces were eggs / larva as a few early ones have hatched. They are smallish light blue-ish and have wings. See photo.
Sooooo now what are they? Better yet how to get rid of them? Thx.
Ick! Wooly aphids are blue like that. Check those out. Thanks for posting back! Let me know if they are aphids.
This looks like termite lava and it really isn't dangerous but it should be treated. The dots you are seeing is where the eggs have been and hatched and they are feasting on the wood. If this is your home then get someone out and spray.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
