Termite infestations can be extremely costly. The damage that termites do in the U.S. alone is in the billions of dollars every year. Checking for signs of infestation regularly can help you avoid expensive repairs and may save your home from termite damage.
One sign to look for are the droppings left behind by the termites. Termites use their feces to construct tunnels and mud tubes along your foundation or walls. These tubes are very thin and delicate. Subterranean termites build these tubes to help them travel safely from their underground nests to their food source, usually a home. Dampwood and drywood termites also use their fecal pellets to seal off openings to their tunnels.
Termites will also leave behind what appears to be piles of sawdust as they make their way through walls and floors. These piles are termite droppings, known as frass. This frass can be light or dark in color, according to the type of wood they are consuming. Frass is the waste created by the termites, which they remove from their nest. Depending on the species of termite, frass can appear as pellets, as well.
Once droppings are discovered in any form, this can be a sign of a serious infestation. If droppings are in your home, it could mean termites have eaten their way through the structural wood, and are feeding on the interior wood.
If you see any signs of termite droppings, contact a pest control professional. Most companies will complete a termite inspection for free to assess the damage, and create a plan to help you manage the termites in your home. Keeping your home free of termites can be critical to the value and the longevity of your investment. Make sure you contact a reliable pest control company with a good reputation and service record.