Termite Droppings: How to Identify, Prevent, and Address Infestations

January 23, 2025

Spotting termite droppings in or around your home can be alarming, and for good reason. These tiny pellets, often mistaken for sawdust or dirt, are one of the first visible signs of a termite infestation. Left unchecked, termites can cause extensive damage to your property, compromising its structure and safety.

Termite droppings, or frass, are more than just waste—they’re a warning sign that termites are actively feeding on wood in your home. Understanding what these droppings look like and why they appear is crucial for early detection. With termites causing billions of dollars in damage annually, addressing the problem quickly is essential to protecting your investment.

We’re here to help you identify the signs and take action before termites wreak havoc. Recognizing termite droppings is the first step toward safeguarding your home, and we’re committed to providing effective solutions to keep your property safe.

What Are Termite Droppings?

Termite droppings, also known as frass or pellets, are the excrement produced by termites as they digest wood. These tiny pellets serve as a clear indicator of termite activity within wooden structures. Typically measuring about 0.04 inches in length, termite droppings are oval-shaped with six distinct concave sides and rounded ends. Their coloration varies from light beige to black, depending on the type of wood consumed by the termites.

Termite droppings from drywood termites

The droppings often resemble sawdust, coffee grounds, or small piles of pepper and are usually found near termite nests, kick-out holes, or damaged wood structures. Frass consists of chewed wood, soil, and termite feces, reflecting the termite’s feeding habits. Spotting these droppings is critical as they indicate an active infestation that, if left unchecked, can lead to significant structural damages.

How To Identify Termite Droppings

Spotting termite droppings helps confirm the presence of an infestation. Termite droppings, or frass, differ based on the species but share distinct characteristics that set them apart from other debris.

Appearance and Color

Termite droppings are small, oval pellets measuring about 0.04 inches in length. They have six concave sides and rounded ends, giving them a uniform, granular texture. Depending on the wood type termites consume, the color ranges from light beige to black. These droppings may accumulate near kick-out holes, termite nests, or within infested areas. For instance, Drywood termites leave six-sided pellets, while Dampwood termite droppings are larger and irregular.

Termite droppings or frass from drywood termites

Termite Droppings vs. Sawdust or Other Debris

Termite droppings often resemble sawdust but differ in texture and shape. Unlike the thin, flaky shavings of sawdust, termite frass consists of fine, smooth pellets. Mud-like droppings from Subterranean or Formosan termites differ further due to soil incorporation, often unnoticed because they use them in tunnel construction. Identifying these differences is vital for distinguishing frass from woodworking remnants or other debris.

Types Of Termite Droppings

Termite droppings, or frass, vary significantly based on the species of termite. Recognizing these differences allows us to identify the type of termite activity affecting your property.

Drywood Termite Frass

Drywood termite droppings feature unique characteristics that set them apart. Each pellet measures approximately 0.04 inches (1 mm) in length, with a distinct oval shape, six concave sides, and rounded tips. These droppings vary in color—typically light beige to black—depending on the type of wood consumed. Their texture is granular, often described as grit-like, and they can be rolled between fingers for identification purposes.

We often find drywood termite frass in small mounds near infested areas, usually around kick-out holes or near wooden structures. These waste pellets are commonly mistaken for piles of sawdust, pepper, or dirt due to their granular appearance.

Drywood termite frass, not sawdust

Subterranean Termite Frass

Subterranean termites do not leave visible droppings. Instead, they use their excrement to construct mud tubes that protect their movement between nests and food sources. These tubes, made from soil, wood debris, and feces, are essential for their survival in underground environments. As a result, spotting frass is rare for this termite species but noticing mud tubes can indicate their presence.

Subterranean Termite Mud Tubes

Are Termite Droppings Dangerous?

Termite droppings, or frass, are not inherently toxic to humans. However, their presence can result in indirect health and structural risks. While frass does not carry diseases like waste from cockroaches or rodents, it requires prompt attention since it reveals an active termite infestation.

Health Risks of Termite Droppings

  1. Respiratory Issues: Dust from termite droppings and wood debris can lead to respiratory irritation, especially for individuals with asthma or bronchitis. Inhaling particles from termite activity can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
  2. Allergic Reactions: Contact with termite droppings or associated debris may trigger allergic symptoms, such as itching, watery eyes, or runny noses. People with pre-existing allergies are particularly vulnerable.
  3. Skin Irritations: Frass can cause minor skin irritations if handled directly, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying conditions.

Structural Damage Risks

Although frass itself is not a threat to your property, it indicates ongoing termite activity. Termites eat continuously, weakening wood structures over time. Left untreated, this destruction leads to costly repairs and compromises the safety of the building.

Warning Signs That Increase Concern

  • Frass Location: Piles of droppings near kick-out holes, baseboards, or ceilings often signal severe infestations.
  • Compounding Evidence: Other signs—like discarded wings or mud tubes—combined with visible droppings suggest widespread termite spread.

Taking immediate action is vital. Termite droppings serve as a clear warning of active termites harming your home or business.

What To Do If You See Termite Droppings

Finding termite droppings in your home is a serious sign of active termite activity. Before doing anything, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your home from further damage.

Steps to Take Right Away

  1. Call Alta Pest Control for a Free Inspection: If you see termite droppings or other signs of termites, don’t clean anything just yet. Contact us immediately for a professional inspection. Our experts will assess the situation, identify the severity of the infestation, and recommend the best course of action.
  2. Avoid Disturbing the Area: Leave the droppings, damaged wood, or any visible signs of termites untouched. This helps our technicians gather the necessary evidence to locate termite activity and determine the best treatment plan.
  3. Document What You See: Take pictures of the termite droppings, damaged areas, or any mud tubes you notice. This can help us better understand the scope of the problem when we arrive.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Termites work quickly, and delaying treatment can lead to significant structural damage. If you see signs like mud tubes, droppings, damaged wood, or discarded wings, it’s time to act.

At Alta Pest Control, we offer expert termite solutions using the Sentricon® system, a proven, environmentally friendly approach that eliminates termites without harmful chemicals. Our service includes annual inspections and bait station maintenance to provide long-term protection for your home.

Termite control sentricon system

Don’t wait—call Alta Pest Control today for a free termite inspection. Let us handle the problem before it gets worse!

Preventing Termite Infestations

Effective prevention minimizes the risk of termite infestations. Taking proactive measures safeguards wooden structures and reduces the likelihood of severe property damage.

Regular Inspections

Performing routine inspections identifies early signs of termites before infestations worsen. Inspect areas like wooden flooring, attics, crawl spaces, and window sills for droppings, kick-out holes, and structural damage.

Moisture Control

Eliminating moisture sources deters termites since they thrive in damp environments. Fix leaking pipes, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in humid areas like basements or crawl spaces.

Wood Maintenance

Maintaining wood surfaces ensures durability and deters termite activities. Treat exposed wood with sealants, replace rotting wood immediately, and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.

Perimeter Barriers

Creating physical or chemical barriers protects foundations from termite intrusion. Apply repellents or granules around home bases and ensure landscaping materials, such as mulch, are placed a minimum of 12 inches from the foundation.

Using Professional Solutions

Employing professional pest control systems, like the Sentricon® system, provides comprehensive termite prevention. This environmentally friendly solution offers continuous protection through baiting stations and includes professional inspections for long-term effectiveness.

Sealing Entry Points

Blocking access eliminates potential entryways into the property. Seal cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and damaged areas of wooden structures to reduce vulnerability to infestation.

Conclusion

Termite droppings aren’t just a warning sign—they’re a call to action. If you see these telltale signs of termite activity, don’t wait. Acting quickly is essential to protecting your home and preventing costly structural damage.

At Alta Pest Control, we’re here to help you take the right steps. Our team offers free termite inspections to identify and address the problem before it worsens. With our proven termite solutions, including the Sentricon® system, we ensure long-term protection for your home without the use of harmful chemicals.

Alta Pest Control technician about to go perform a termite inspection

Your home deserves more than just pest control—it deserves a partner you can trust. Contact Alta Pest Control today for a free inspection, and let us help you safeguard your property with effective, environmentally friendly solutions. Together, we’ll ensure your home stays termite-free and secure for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do termite droppings look like?

Termite droppings, or frass, are tiny, oval-shaped pellets with a granular texture. They measure about 0.04 inches in length and can vary in color from beige to black, depending on the type of wood consumed. These droppings are often found near termite kick-out holes or damaged wood.

How do termite droppings differ from sawdust?

Unlike sawdust, termite droppings are uniform in size and have a distinct six-sided, pellet-like shape. Sawdust resembles messy wood shavings, while termite frass is granular and organized in small piles.

Are termite droppings a sign of an active infestation?

Yes, discovering termite droppings is a strong indicator of an active termite infestation. It shows that termites are actively feeding on wood, requiring immediate action to prevent further structural damage.

Can termite droppings cause health problems?

Termite droppings are generally not toxic but can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or skin irritation from prolonged exposure, especially in sensitive individuals. Cleaning them up promptly is recommended.

Should I call a professional if I find termite droppings?

If you find termite droppings, especially in large amounts, it’s essential to call Alta Pest Control. We can inspect your property, identify the type of infestation, and provide effective treatment solutions.

What’s the difference between Drywood and Subterranean termite droppings?

Drywood termites leave six-sided, small, granular pellets, often piled near infested areas. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, do not leave visible droppings; they use their excrement to build mud tubes.

How can I clean up termite droppings safely?

Wear gloves and a mask to clean termite droppings. Use a vacuum or damp cloth to remove them, then dispose of the waste carefully. Inspect the area for more signs of termite activity afterward.

Can termites be eliminated permanently?

Yes, termites can be controlled and eliminated with professional methods such as baiting systems (e.g., Sentricon®) or direct treatments like fumigation. Coupled with regular inspections, these methods offer long-term termite prevention.

How can I prevent termite infestations in the future?

To prevent termites, schedule regular inspections, reduce moisture around your home, maintain wooden structures, seal entry points, and consider professional pest control solutions like baiting systems for long-term protection.

Are DIY termite treatments effective?

DIY treatments may temporarily reduce termite activity but are often insufficient for complete elimination. Professional pest control ensures effective treatment and long-term prevention, especially for severe infestations.

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