Do Ants Cause Sawdust?
WouterDepending on the species, sawdust may be created by ants or termites. Both are harmful insects, but they differ in their life cycles. If you’re not sure whether you have ants or termites, ask a professional.
Carpenter ants are large insects that live in colonies. They are nocturnal. They can be seen searching for crumbs, pollen, and nectar from other insects. They are often found in crawl spaces and wall voids. They feed on sugar-rich foods and proteins. They are also attracted to damp, decaying wood.
They tunnel through the wood to create nests. They also leave small piles of sawdust.
Carpenter ants often create trails on door frames, window sills, telephone poles, and power lines. They also form galleries in wood that have a smooth, sandpapery appearance.
Carpenter ants create tunnels to a centralized nest. They then discard waste products and dead insects. Sawdust is the byproduct of the ants’ excavation of the wood. It is easily decomposed and provides compost for new growth.
The termite is a type of insect that will consume wood for nutrition. They will leave a pile of sawdust after tunneling. If you find a pile of sawdust in your home, it’s important to get an inspection. This will allow you to identify the problem and treat it before the infestation spreads to other parts of your home.
The powderpost beetle is another common pest that can leave a pile of sawdust. Powderpost beetles have a distinctive hole pattern. The sawdust is talc-like.
