Termite Droppings

Termite droppings are a physical and tangible sign of active termite activity. For homeowners who are not positive one way or the other whether they are infested, one way to tell is to look for their droppings. There are certain features of this waste, also known as frass, that makes it fairly easy to recognize for what it is - evidence of termites. Termites are a tremendous threat to the structural integrity of homes and other buildings. Once they get started certain species can destroy a home's foundation in just a matter of months. For this reason it is important for all homeowners to be aware of the danger and to be on the lookout for signs of the presence of these pests in the home.

Termites are Evasive Creatures

One of the reasons why this pest is so hard to eliminate is the simple fact that it can be so hard to detect before serious damage has already been done. Termites are industrious, persistent, and extremely hard to spot while they are on the job. It is very easy for them to escape our notice until they have already done serious damage to our homes. Every year, millions of people across the country are victimized to some extent by the handiwork of termites, and the cost for many is very great. To protect against the cost of termite control service and to protect against possible home damage, homeowners should be aware of some simple things they can look for to detect these creatures before it is too late.

Termite Inspection and Prevention

Naturally, regular inspection and prevention of termite infestation in prone areas is important, but when it comes down to it, sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop them from getting into our homes. In these cases our best bet is to recognize the warning signs and to be able to detect termites like the pros. One of the first and most recognizable signs of a colony is termite droppings, so being able to recognize them may come in handy at some point in your experience as a homeowner.

Termites are rather secretive and evasive beings. They like to get into yards and many species simply live in the soil, coming up for food but establishing colonies underground. Back yards that have gardens or other plants are the best places for these creatures to set up their colonies because of the plentiful moisture in the soil as well as its lower density for ease of digging. The same principle applies to houses as well, with homes that have cracked foundations the easiest ones to access. Termites feed on the wood inside homes once they get in and can leave evidence of their presence, called frass. Frass is another name for their droppings, and can range from black to white in color. In composition frass basically resembles sawdust or the food they are dining on. The exact color will depend on the wood they're consuming.

Termite Frass

Termite frass can look like coffee grind or it can seem sandy in its appearance. It is normally scattered but can be left like a trail following the traveling route of the pests. If you find what you think is frass it is best to look up some pictures online to be sure. It could be left behind furniture in the main floor of the home, on the basement floor, or anywhere termites have gained access to wood feed. If you find it and can identify it as termite droppings it is sure evidence of active infestation and termite control is needed.