PSA: Those Little Pellets Near Your Windowsill Might Be Termite Droppings
Okay, so hear me out. You know that weird little pile of what looks like sand or coffee grounds you keep ignoring near your window? PLEASE look into that. Understanding termite droppings what they look like and why they matter is important it might be termite frass, and if it is, you have an active infestation in your walls.
What is termite frass exactly?
It's termite droppings. Tiny oval pellets about 1mm long with six concave sides (yes, SIX SIDES nature said geometry). They range from light tan to almost black depending on what wood the termites are eating.
Where to look: Window sills and baseboards Under old wood furniture Anywhere near wooden beams or door frames Attics, crawlspaces, basements
How to tell if it's ACTIVE: Fresh frass = moist, concentrated, neat piles = actively being eaten right now. Old frass = dry, scattered, dusty = older activity (still get it checked though).
IMPORTANT: Do not vacuum it up. I know. I KNOW. But that pile is evidence. Take photos, note the location, and call pest control. The inspector needs to see it.
Also: frass from different termite species looks different. Drywood termites leave those tidy pellet piles. Subterranean termites make mud tubes (little pencil-width dirt tunnels along your foundation) instead of leaving droppings. Dampwood termites leave bigger, messier particles that look like wood rot.
termites cause billions in structural damage every year and most homeowners don't catch it until the damage is severe. if you see those pellets act fast.