Termite Droppings (Frass)

Drywood termites eat wood and leave behind tiny, sand-like droppings called frass. Since they live inside the wood, they push their frass out as their colony expands.

You might find termite droppings on the floor, on belongings in your garage, on a trash can, or on a deck railing—anywhere below infested wood. If the droppings fell from a higher spot, they’ll be more spread out. A second-story eave, for example, may scatter frass over a two or three foot-wide area, while droppings from a baseboard will form a more concentrated pile.

Termite droppings resemble wood particles and feel like sand when rubbed between your fingers. If you find them next to a wall inside your home, look up to locate the small, encrusted “kickout hole” where they came from. Marking this spot will help a termite technician identify the treatment area.

• Not Termites? A pile of black droppings on pavement is likely from crickets. Scattered debris on a windowsill is probably from other insects.

Paint Bubbles

If you notice a bubble in the paint on fascia boards, rafter tails, or window frames, scratch it with a key or screwdriver. If drywood termite droppings fall out, you’ve found an infestation.

Damaged Wood

• If a section of your flooring has collapsed and you see droppings but no mud, it’s likely drywood termites.
• If your eaves show signs of damage but aren’t soft and wet, or the damage isn’t full of dirt, drywood termites may be the culprit.

Drywood termite damage is clean, smooth and frass is visible.

Termite Wings

Finding a pile of wings anywhere in your home is similar to finding human undergarments in a honeymoon suite. That’s because termite reproductives (the kings and queens) shed their wings after they land and before they mate. If you find wings, that means termite newly weds are trying to establish a new colony somewhere nearby.

Swarmers

Termite swarmers lead to wings. A swarm can range from 20 to over 100 flying termites, drawn to the brightest light source, such as windows or glass doors. Drywood termites swarm in the fall. They are about ¼ inch long, with two pairs of equal-length wings, dark bodies, broad waists, and red heads.

Act Now

If you spot any of these signs, don’t wait—termites won’t go away on their own. Call California Termite for a thorough, free inspection and an honest assessment of your situation. We’ll recommend the most practical solution to protect your home.