Termite Identification

What Does Termite Frass Look Like?

Termite frass is one of the clearest signs of a drywood termite infestation. Here's exactly what to look for — and where to find it.

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What Is Termite Frass?

Frass is the fecal matter produced by drywood termites as they digest wood. Unlike subterranean termites, which incorporate waste into their mud tubes, drywood termites push their pellets out of the wood through tiny openings called kick-out holes. The result is a small pile of pellets that accumulates below the infested wood.

Finding frass is one of the most reliable ways to confirm a drywood termite infestation — it means there is an active colony inside the wood above the pile.

How to Identify Termite Frass

Size: Frass pellets are tiny — roughly 1mm long, about the size of a grain of coarse sand or a poppy seed.
Shape: Each pellet is oval or elongated with six concave sides and rounded ends. Under magnification, the shape is quite distinctive.
Color: Color varies from cream to tan to dark brown, often matching the color of the wood being consumed. A single pile may contain pellets of multiple shades.
Texture: Dry and granular — not sticky or moist. This distinguishes it from sawdust, which is finer and more powdery.
Quantity: Frass accumulates in small piles or mounds beneath kick-out holes. A single active colony can produce a noticeable pile within days.

Where to Look for Termite Frass

Frass falls from kick-out holes and collects on horizontal surfaces below infested wood. Common locations include:

  • Windowsills and window tracks
  • Door frames and thresholds
  • Baseboards and crown molding
  • Attic floor or attic framing
  • On top of furniture near infested walls
  • In closets with wood shelving
  • Near wood trim in bathrooms or kitchens

Found Frass in Your Home?

Don't wait — an active drywood colony is feeding on your home right now. TAPS provides professional termite inspections and treatment throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, DeLand, Deltona, Sanford, Orlando, and Palm Coast.

Call (386) 886-4500

Related Resources

Signs of Termites in Florida Drywood vs Subterranean Termites Drywood Termite Treatment Do I Need to Tent My House? Termite Identification Guide Flying Termites in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Is termite frass the same as sawdust?

No. Sawdust is a fine, powdery byproduct of cutting or sanding wood. Termite frass consists of distinct, oval pellets with six concave sides. If you look closely (or use a magnifying glass), the difference is clear. Sawdust also tends to be lighter and more uniform in color.

Do subterranean termites leave frass?

No. Frass is produced exclusively by drywood termites, which live inside wood and push their pellets out through small kick-out holes. Subterranean termites incorporate their waste into their mud tubes and galleries, so they don't leave visible frass piles.

I found frass — how bad is the infestation?

The presence of frass confirms an active drywood termite colony, but the size of the pile doesn't necessarily indicate the size of the infestation. A small pile could mean a new colony or one that has been cleaning out its galleries. A professional inspection is the only way to assess the extent of the damage.

Should I clean up the frass before calling a pest control company?

It's better to leave it in place so the technician can see it and confirm the identification. If you must clean it up, take a photo first and note the exact location. The kick-out hole above the pile is what the technician needs to find.