The excrement of termites, often referred to as frass, resembles tiny, granular pellets. The color can vary, reflecting the type of wood the termites are consuming, ranging from light beige or tan to dark brown or black. These fecal pellets are typically hexagonal in shape and quite small, often no larger than a grain of sand. Their presence is a key indicator of termite activity.
Identifying termite frass is crucial because it provides tangible evidence of an infestation. Unlike other signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, which can be old or inactive, the existence of these droppings often signifies a current and ongoing problem. Prompt recognition allows for quicker intervention, potentially minimizing structural damage and associated repair costs. Historically, the presence of such material has always been a primary indicator for pest control professionals.