Certain parts of Michigan are in a midst of a Gypsy Moth invasion. The "pellets" you see are the waste product of the Gypsy Moth caterpillar feeding in the tree. There are many area's where the tree leaves have all been eaten and the tree is bare. Huge area's have trees looking like it is January. Pay attention to the road as you go through these area's. Tree's that are being eaten and overhang the road will have a red hue to the road from the staining from the waste. I would certainly move my rig to an open area if this is happening in your area.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/gypsy-moth-outbreaks-in-michigan