Hi there,
this caterpillar is an * Eastern Tent Caterpillar *..it builds its huge nest out of silk in their hostplants which are fruit-trees..and lots of caterpillars will live in one tent..
They will strip the leaves of the tree in a quite fast matter of time..
They are considered a pest..
Hope that helps
Susanne(SUE)

loveofmylife, I don't know what area you are in, but I have been finding them also in SE AL. They do seem to love the carport. They reminded me of web worms but I knew they were not web worms. I will be looking for their tent. Thanks for asking the question.

Sue, thank you I only have one pear tree that doesnt produce many and I think it needs to come down because it looks bad some kind of fungus or something has gotten a hold of it and a crab apple that looks like it has the black fungus.
Jill

I was in a hurry when I did the first reply..
Here is a link to these caterpillars..
Greetings
Susanne(SUE)

Here is a link that might be useful: Eastern Tent Caterpillars

loveofmylife, at this point in the life cycle of your tent caterpillars, it is too late to do anything (responsibly, that is) to control them. Luckily, they have lots of natural enemies which will soon dispatch them. The only plant that they defoliate is the one that they were born in, so you don't have to worry about that aspect of it at this point.

Using something to open up the 'tent' when you see them can be helpful. That will expose them to their many predators and parasites. You can also use strong sprays of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap is helpful, and (of course) Bt-k, when they are still quite young.