Early Warning Signs
Comprehensive guide to recognizing termite activity.
Exit holes, frass, and damage patterns compared.
TL;DR: Beetles leave small round exit holes and fine powder. Termites leave irregular galleries with mud lining and pellet-like frass. Different damage patterns. — Early warning signs or call (833) 404-3632.
Feature | Termites | Powderpost Beetles |
---|---|---|
Exit holes | Irregular galleries, no round holes | Small round holes (1/16 inch) |
Frass | Pellet-like, uniform size | Fine powder, accumulates in piles |
Galleries | Large galleries with mud lining | Narrow tunnels, no mud lining |
Wood preference | Softwoods, untreated wood | Hardwoods, finished wood |
Mud tubes | Present on foundation/walls | Absent |
Damage pattern | Hollow galleries, wood weakened | Narrow tunnels, surface damage |
Activity duration | Permanent colonies, year-round | Cyclical, emerges seasonally |
Visible insects | Hidden in mud tubes or wood | Small beetles may be visible |
Powderpost beetles: Small round holes, very uniform in size (1/16 inch). Multiple holes clustered together. Fresh holes have sharp edges.
Termites: Irregular galleries, not round holes. Mud tubes on foundation or walls. No small round exit holes.
Powderpost beetles: Fine powder, like talc or flour. Accumulates in small piles near exit holes. Visible and easy to spot.
Termites: Pellet-like droppings, uniform size and shape. Often found in mud tubes or near galleries. Less obvious than beetle powder.
Powderpost beetles: Surface damage with small holes. Galleries are narrow and don't penetrate deeply. Wood may appear pitted.
Termites: Deep galleries that hollow out wood. Mud lining visible in galleries. Wood structurally weakened but may appear intact externally.
Generally yes, but repeated infestations can cause significant damage. Beetles tunnel but don't consume wood like termites. However, both require professional treatment.
Look for fresh frass (fine powder) near exit holes. Fresh holes have sharp edges. If you see new powder regularly, infestation is active. Professional inspection confirms activity.
Hardwoods like oak, ash, and hickory. Also attack finished wood and wood products. Softwoods are less attractive to beetles but preferred by termites.
Treated wood is less attractive but not immune. Beetles can infest finished or painted wood. Termites avoid treated wood. This is another way to tell them apart.
If you've identified potential beetle or termite damage, consider these actions:
Comprehensive guide to recognizing termite activity.
What professionals look for during inspections.
Self-assessment guide for your property.
Compare termites to other pests and damage types.