Do you have termites in your home? If you do, you’re probably wondering what kind of damage they’re doing and how to get rid of them. One way to determine if you have termites is to look for their droppings. In this article, we’ll discuss what termite droppings look like, where you might find them, and how to eliminate the problem.
What Are Termite Droppings (Frass)?
The presence of termite pellets, also known as frass, is one of the most common signs of a termite infestation. The droppings are small, round pellets about the size of a grain of rice. They are typically brown or black but can also be white or yellow.
These pellets are the termite feces, which contain wood fibers and other materials that they’ve eaten. This waste material is typically pushed out of exit holes in the infested wood and can accumulate beneath these holes. Remember that the description is of drywood termite droppings as there is the frass of Subterranean termites is not visible.
In addition to termite frass, you may also find piles of drywood termite wings near exit holes. These wings are shed by swarmers (winged males and females) during their nuptial flight.
What Are Other Signs of Termites?
Along with termite waste, there are several other signs of subterranean and drywood termites that homeowners should be aware of, such as:
1. Mud Tunnels
Termites build these tubes as a protected way to travel from their nests in the ground to your home. If you see any mud tubes, it indicates that termites are present and active. The tunnels indicate that termites are looking for a new food source, which likely means your home.
2. Hollow Wood
If you tap on wood around your home and it sounds hollow, it may be because termites have eaten away the inside of it. This is especially common in older homes or homes that have had water damage, as termites are attracted to damp wood.
3. Cracks in Paint or Wallpaper
As termites eat away at wood, they can cause cracks in paint or wallpaper. These cracks are usually small and vertical. You may also see paint that is bubbling or peeling.
4. Swarmers
During certain times of the year, termites will swarm, which means they will fly away from their nest in search of a new place to live. If you see any flying insects around your home, it’s important to have them identified by a professional to determine if they are termites.
5. Discarded Wings
After termites swarm, they shed their wings. If you see piles of wings around your home, it’s a good sign that termites are nearby.
If you suspect you have termites, it’s important to call a pest control professional like Texas Bug Control. Termites can cause serious damage to your home if they are left untreated. Our pest control professionals will be able to determine if termites are present and develop a treatment plan to get rid of them.
Also Read: What Do Termite Holes Look Like?
What To Do When You Find Termite Droppings?
If you find drywood termite pellets in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. Termites can cause extensive damage to your property, and their droppings signify that they’re already present.
There are a few things you can do to get rid of termites and their droppings:
- Inspect Your Home. Take some time to inspect your home for any other signs of termites. Check for things like mud tubes on the exterior of your home, drywood termite frass, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Be Proactive. Preventing termites from getting into your home in the first place is the best way to deal with them. Make sure there are no cracks or crevices in your foundation and keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house. It would be best if you also removed any wood touching the ground, like firewood or fencing.
- Keep An Eye Out. Even if you’re doing everything right, getting termites is still possible. So, it’s important to watch for signs of their presence. If you see any droppings, make sure to call a professional right away.
- Call An Exterminator. If you have a serious infestation, the best course of action is to call a professional. Exterminators can identify the type of termite colonies and treat your home accordingly.
Also Read: How To Get Rid of Ants in Bathroom?
FAQs
What Does Termite Poop Look Like?
Termite droppings, also known as frass, look like small pellets of wood or sawdust. They are typically uniform in shape and size and can range in color from light brown to almost black. Frass is often found in piles near where termites are active and can be a tell-tale sign of an infestation.
Are Termite Droppings Harmful?
Frass itself is not harmful to humans or animals, but it can indicate a termite problem in your home. If you see pellet-like droppings around your property, it’s best to contact a pest control professional to have them inspect for signs of termites.
Why Do I See Termite Droppings But No Termites?
Termites produce frass as they eat through wood. It’s possible to see droppings but not the termites themselves because they avoid light and spend most of their time hidden away in dark areas. If you suspect you have a termite problem, it’s important to have a professional inspect your property as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Termite droppings, or frass, can be a nuisance. It’s important to keep an eye on the level of frass in your home, and if you see an increase, it may be time to call in a professional like Texas Bug Control. We can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Ignoring the problem will only worsen and could eventually lead to extensive damage to your property.
We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
