What is Termite Frass?

Termite frass refers to the droppings produced by termites as they feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials. Frass typically consists of digested wood particles, soil, and termite waste. Termite frass is a common sign of termite infestation, so it's important to know how to identify it.

What Do Termite Droppings Look Like? 

Termite droppings, also known as frass, can vary in appearance depending on factors such as the species of termite, the type of wood being consumed, and environmental conditions. However, in general, termite droppings often resemble small pellets or grains. They can range in color from light brown to almost black, depending on the type of wood being consumed and the species of termite. In the image above, the brown "pellets" in the wood are examples of termite frass.

What Do Termite Eggs Look Like? 

Along with frass, termites can also leave behind their eggs. However, termite eggs are tiny and difficult to spot with the naked eye, typically measuring less than 1 millimeter in length. They are usually white or translucent and have an oval or cylindrical shape. If you are seeing pellet-like debris left behind by termites, it's likely frass, not eggs. 

Subterranean vs Drywood Termite Frass

Subterranean and drywood termites are two common types of termites that differ in their nesting and feeding habits, which in turn affects the characteristics of their frass. Here are the main differences:

• Subterranean: Frass may appear moist or damp due to the presence of soil particles, and it may resemble mud or small clumps of soil mixed with wood particles. It is usually found near the entry points of termite mud tubes or around damaged wood.
• Drywood: Frass is typically dry and granular, resembling tiny pellets or grains of sand. It is often found accumulating below kick-out holes, which are small openings through which termites push out their frass and fecal pellets from the infested wood.

Why Do I See Termite Droppings But No Termites?