Do Termites Produce Sawdust?
WouterTermites don’t produce sawdust, but they do leave a powdery substance known as frass. This is the waste that they excrete after feeding on wood.
Termite frass is a dark, black powdery substance that is scattered around the area of an infestation. It is usually found near the entrances of the colony, and can look similar to sawdust.
There are two types of termites – drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites are the ones that typically cause problems for homeowners. They tunnel through wood in door frames and ceilings. They then eat the wood from the inside out, leaving a thin outer layer.
Subterranean termites do not produce sawdust, but they do produce termite poop. They are shaped like pellets and are slightly granular. They are often visible in lumber above or beside the frass pile. They are not smelly, and are not toxic.
Termite poop is a clear sign that there is an active infestation. If you suspect you have a problem with termites, you should get an inspection. The sooner you detect it, the less damage it can do to your home. Having the problem inspected is free, so call a professional today.
Termites don’t eat plastic or other non-natural materials. They eat cellulose. Any material with cellulose will be eaten by termites. They can be found in unfinished basements, or in homes with crawl spaces.
Termite frass can be easily identified, but it can be hard to tell if you are dealing with a termite infestation or not. If you see sawdust, or a termite poop pile, stop and investigate.
