Use this guide below to properly identify and safely remove any termite droppings from your home.
How To Identify Termite Droppings
Being able to tell the difference between termite droppings and sawdust is essential for homeowners. Check for any small, ridged pellets that appear darker than fresh wood dust for starters.
These droppings are typically found close to wooden structures and/or walls. Try to regularly monitor these areas for the presence of termites.
What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?
Drywood termite pellets are tiny, oval-shaped capsules featuring six concave sides. The pellets also have noticeable, rounded ends.
The pellets usually measure about 1 millimeter in length. They can form small mounds beneath kick out holes. The mounds are often described as looking like small piles of either salt or pepper.
Drywood frass can be a variety of colors depending on the color of wood the termites have eaten. However, all drywood droppings will be six-sided and recognizable.
Drywood Droppings
In most cases, drywood termites will leave many signs of their activity within a home or surrounding it. When two drywood termites establish a small nest in wood, they will seal the area they ultimately used to enter the wood. From this point on, they will never leave the nest.
Drywood termites often find everything they need to survive while inside wood. This includes water, food, shelter, and an ideal temperature. Unlimited space is the only thing these termites will not have inside their nest. As the termites consume wood, they create kick out holes that are used to push frass outside of the nest.
Subterranean Droppings
Unfortunately for homeowners, subterranean termites will not leave behind any visible droppings or frass. Their first sign of infestation is usually creating mud tunnels that either run up walls or home foundations.
These termites will use their droppings in the construction of these tunnels. This means their frass cannot be distinguished from the nest. Unless you notice a swarm, homeowners will not see signs of their presence.
Can Termite Droppings Be Dangerous?
Termite droppings do not carry infectious diseases, but they have been known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks, especially in sensitive individuals.
In terms of home value, an untreated termite issue can really hurt your property in the real estate market. Infestations can undoubtedly lead to costly repairs as time goes on.
Some preventative measures can save money. It’s always wise to consider the financial impact on both buyers and sellers before taking action on a termite infestation.
Safest Ways To Get Rid Of Termite Droppings
Always take precautions when attempting to clean up any droppings, even if this frass is not as harmful as other pests’ droppings. Clean up the frass by using a paper towel and sanitizing the area afterward.
Use protective gear like face masks and gloves to avoid inhaling any viruses. Follow these steps to safely remove any termite droppings:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- This allows for optimal collection of droppings.
- Always refrain from sweeping, as this can scatter debris and make it airborne.
- Securely seal the collected droppings in a plastic bag.
- Utilize an outdoor trash bin to dispose of this bag.
- Once the removal is complete, thoroughly wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Dry the wooden surfaces to discourage the future presence of these pests.
- Visually check nearby wooden structures for any signs of damage.
- Early detection of pests can prevent both damage and high repair costs.
If you notice any termite droppings around your property, it’s best to contact the team at Poor Boy Termite Control.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
Poor Boy Termite Control can solve all of you termite issues. We only deal with termites as the name implies. We use thermal imaging, with no drilling or guessing. At Poor Boy Termite Control we detect termites and treat them. If you have a termite infestation, Call Poor Boy Termite Control at (480) 994-4240 and schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse!
