Drywood Termites in Florida: Droppings and Other Warning Signs

Florida’s heat and humidity let pests thrive. Termites are a significant threat to homes, and early detection can save thousands in repairs. One of the most evident signs of a drywood termite infestation is drywood termite droppings, also called frass.

Subterranean termites travel in mud tubes. Drywood termites don’t. They leave small piles of droppings (poop) that can look like sawdust, sand, or coffee grounds. These pellets are feces pushed out through tiny holes in wood. If you see these piles, termites may already be feeding on walls or furniture.

This guide shows how to spot drywood termite droppings in Florida, other signs to watch for, why these termites thrive here, how frass differs from sawdust, and the treatments that work. You’ll also learn when to call a professional pest control company.

Key Takeaways

• Piles of drywood termite droppings (frass) are a common sign that looks like sand or coffee grounds.
• Frass under tiny ‘kick-out’ holes means termites are active inside wood.
• Other signs include hollow wood, swarmers, and discarded wings.
• Consult a licensed professional for effective treatment; DIY methods rarely eliminate hidden colonies.

What Drywood Termite Droppings Look Like

Drywood termite droppings are tiny, oval pellets with rounded ends and hard sides. Termites push them out of tunnels, so pellets collect in small piles on floors, windowsills, or baseboards.

Many South Florida homeowners mistake termite frass for sawdust, sand, or coffee grounds. Sawdust is flaky and uneven; frass is uniform and smooth. Piles of frass are one of the most reliable signs of drywood termite activity.

The color of the droppings often matches the type of wood the termites are eating. Pellets may be light brown, tan, or darker depending on the infested areas, since they reflect the shade of the wood’s cellulose.

Signs of Drywood Termite Activity Beyond Droppings

Droppings are a common clue, but not the only one. Here are other signs of a termite infestation you should watch for:

• Kick-out holes: Small openings where termites push out pellets. Tiny holes with frass beneath them signal termites inside.
• Hollow-sounding wood: Termites eat from the inside out. Tap walls, trim, or furniture; a hollow sound suggests damage.
• Swarmers and discarded wings: Winged termites (alates) shed wings after mating. Wings on windowsills or floors show that termite colonies may be starting indoors.
• Damaged wood: Paint may bubble, floors may sag, and trim may crack. Visible damage often means the problem has been present for a while.

These signs help confirm that the droppings are from termites, not another pest. If you’re unsure, schedule a professional termite inspection.

Why Florida Homes Are at Higher Risk

Florida is one of the most termite-heavy states in the country. The warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for each type of termite, including drywood termites and subterranean termites.

Subterranean termites need soil and build mud tubes. Drywood termites live fully inside wooden structures, so they’re harder to detect.

Wood frames, open soffits, and older structures can let termites in. After swarmers land, reproductives can start colonies that spread through the home.

Treatment Options for Drywood Termites

If you see termite droppings or other warning signs, it’s time to consider termite treatment. Leaving termites alone allows them to keep feeding, which can lead to significant damage over time.

Here are the most common treatment options a licensed exterminator may recommend:

• Fumigation: Best for widespread infestations. Gas reaches the termites deep inside the wood.
• Localized spot treatments: Useful for small, contained areas. May miss hidden or connected colonies.
• Preventative measures: Seal cracks, replace damaged wood, and schedule yearly inspections. Ongoing protection plans help monitor and block new colonies.

While some homeowners attempt DIY methods, they rarely eliminate drywood termites. Because these pests hide deep in wood, only professional termite control methods can eliminate both active colonies and hidden reproductives.

Making the Right Choice for Drywood Termite Control in South Florida

Protecting your home means acting before termites cause expensive repairs.

At Native Pest Management, we provide proven treatments tailored to South Florida homes and help prevent future infestations.

Ready to protect your home? Contact us today for a free termite inspection.

FAQs

What do drywood termite droppings look like?

Drywood termite droppings look like small, oval pellets with rounded ends. They often appear in small piles that resemble grains of sand, coffee grounds, or sawdust.

Are termite droppings harmful?

Termite feces are not harmful to touch, but they are a clear sign of termite activity. The real danger comes from the structural damage termites cause if you don’t act quickly.

Can I get rid of drywood termites myself?

DIY methods may reduce surface activity but rarely eliminate colonies inside wood. Professional pest control is the most effective way to remove termites and stop new colonies from forming.