What termite droppings look like, how to identify them, and what they indicate about infestation.
TL;DR: Frass (drywood termite droppings) looks like sawdust or coffee grounds near wood; recurring piles indicate active infestation—call an inspector. — Start with early warning signs, then when to call a pro. Prefer to talk? (833) 404-3632.
📋 Assess with LTRS: Location, Timing, Recurrence, Spread — log patterns, not just single clues.
Termite frass (droppings or fecal pellets) is a telltale sign of drywood termite activity. Unlike subterranean termites that use their waste to build mud tubes, drywood termites push their pellets out of galleries through small "kick-out holes." Finding frass often indicates an active infestation.
Shape: Hexagonal pellets with six concave sides and rounded ends. Resembles tiny grains of rice or coffee grounds.
Size: Very small, typically less than 1/32 inch (about 1mm) long
Color: Varies based on wood consumed—light tan, brown, reddish, or dark brown. Color matches the wood being eaten.
Texture: Hard, dry pellets. Don't crumble easily when pressed.
Consistency: Uniform size and shape within a single pile
Finding frass strongly suggests active drywood termite activity. Termites continuously push out waste as they expand galleries, so fresh frass indicates ongoing feeding.
Test for activity: Clean up the frass completely. If it reappears within days or weeks, the infestation is definitely active.
Frass is primarily associated with drywood termites, not subterranean species. Subterranean termites use their waste to construct mud tubes and don't create visible pellet piles.
If you find frass, you're likely dealing with drywood termites, which require different treatment than subterranean species.
Frass location helps pinpoint the colony:
Kick-out holes are tiny openings (1/32 to 1/16 inch) that drywood termites create to expel frass from their galleries. These holes serve as "waste chutes."
Kick-out holes confirm drywood termite activity. The presence of both holes and fresh frass is strong evidence of an active, established colony.
Difference: Carpenter ant frass is coarser, contains wood fibers and insect body parts, and is less uniform. Piles are typically larger and messier.
How to tell: Look for insect parts mixed in. Carpenter ants excavate but don't eat wood, so their frass contains recognizable wood fragments.
Difference: Powderpost beetle frass is fine, flour-like powder, much finer than termite pellets. Feels like talcum powder.
How to tell: Rub between fingers—beetle frass is powdery, termite frass maintains pellet shape.
Difference: Natural wood dust from aging or settling is irregular, contains splinters, and doesn't form neat piles below specific holes.
How to tell: Check for kick-out holes. Natural dust won't have associated exit holes.
1. Don't panic: Drywood termites work slowly. You have time to get professional evaluation.
2. Document thoroughly:
3. Collect a sample:
4. Test for activity:
5. Schedule professional inspection:
Learn more: Year-Round Prevention Guide
Frass is one of the most reliable indicators of drywood termite activity because:
Termite frass has uniform hexagonal pellets; sawdust is irregular wood shavings. Frass appears below kick-out holes.
Fresh frass or recurring piles indicate active drywood termites. Schedule a professional inspection.
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