termite droppings

Drywood termites can cause major damage for many homeowners, especially those who live in the southeastern, southwestern and western United States and Hawaii. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites don’t nest in the soil. Rather, they nest in actual wood, which can include the lumber — or even the furniture — in your home.

One sign that you might have drywood termites in your house is finding termite droppings or frass. Learn how to identify frass, so that you can call on Terminix® the minute you suspect you might have a pest problem.

WHAT IS FRASS?

“Frass” is just another word for termite droppings. But you’re probably more interested in how to spot frass. As you’ve read, drywood termites actually live inside of wood. That means they have to find a place to deposit their termite droppings. Obviously, they don’t want to navigate tunnels filled with their own excrement.

To “flush” these droppings away, drywood termites chew kick-out holes so that they have an opening through which to push their excrement. This leaves their tunnels free and clear. It also results in frass, which can look like sawdust, fine grains of sand or small piles of salt and pepper that have been gathering on your floor.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER SIGNS OF TERMITES?

There are several signs of termites that you might come across in your home, including frass, mud tubes, wood damage or discarded wings. The signs you see in your home will depend on the termite species. However, these are often not recognizable to homeowners. Additionally, it is possible that termites could be nesting in your home — and causing destruction — for years without leaving any traces. Because of this, it’s important to have a termite protection plan that includes regular inspections.

Contact Terminix today for your FREE termite inspection.