Drywood Termite Droppings: What They Look Like and What to Do Next

In Florida, most homeowners deal with termites at some point. One of the earliest warning signs is drywood termite droppings.

You might see tiny pellets on windowsills or small piles near baseboards and assume they are dirt or sawdust. Many people sweep them up without realizing they could signal a termite problem.

Drywood termites live inside wooden structures. They can cause damage long before you see cracks or soft spots. When you spot termite droppings early, you can stop an infestation before it leads to serious structural damage.

If you live in South Florida, knowing what to look for and when to schedule professional termite control in Florida can help protect your home.

Key Takeaways

• Drywood termite droppings are one of the most common signs of an infestation in Florida homes. These small, hard fecal pellets collect in piles beneath kick-out holes in baseboards, windowsills, and other wooden structures.
• Unlike subterranean termites that create mud tubes, drywood termites push frass out of the wood they infest. You may also see winged termites or discarded wings during swarming periods.
• If droppings continue to reappear after cleaning, you likely have an active infestation.

Drywood Termite Droppings: What They Look Like

Drywood termite droppings, also called frass, are waste from a colony living inside wood. As termites tunnel through wood, they make small openings called kick-out holes to push out their pellets.

Here are the key features to look for:

Small, uniform pellets with rounded ends

Drywood termite droppings look like grains of sand or small piles of coffee grounds. Each pellet has six sides and rounded ends, which makes them all look the same.

You will often find piles of frass directly beneath kick-out holes in baseboards, door frames, window trim, or wooden beams. Unlike sawdust, which appears splintered and uneven, termite frass is hard and consistently shaped.

If you see small piles forming again in the same area after cleaning, that is a strong sign of active termites.

Light brown to dark brown color

The color of termite droppings depends on the type of wood the termites eat. In many Florida homes, pellets range from light brown to dark brown.

Homes in South Florida often use both softwood framing and hardwood finishes. That mix can cause droppings to look slightly different from room to room. As a result, some homeowners mistake them for dirt or debris.

Small piles that reappear after cleaning

One of the clearest signs of drywood termites is that piles of frass return after you clean them up. You may vacuum the area and find new droppings the next day.

Repeated buildup means a colony is active inside the wood. When this happens, schedule a professional termite inspection as soon as possible.

Drywood Frass vs. Common Look-Alikes

Because drywood termite droppings are small and granular, people often confuse them with other materials. Knowing the difference helps you respond quickly.

Sawdust

Sawdust from drilling or sanding looks fluffy and uneven. It contains splinters and rough fragments.

Termite frass consists of hard pellets that are uniform in size and shape. If the material feels gritty and looks like tiny grains instead of wood shavings, termites may be the cause.

Coffee grounds

Many homeowners report that termite droppings resemble coffee grounds. While the color may look similar, coffee grounds are moist and clump together.

Drywood termite droppings are dry and separate easily. When you rub them between your fingers, they feel like coarse sand.

Debris from subterranean termites

Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundations and walls. These tubes protect them as they travel between soil and wood.

Drywood termites do not build mud tubes. Instead, you may see winged termites, also called swarmers, inside your home during certain times of the year. Finding discarded wings near windows is another common sign.

Each termite species needs a different treatment plan, so correct identification matters.

What to Do Next After Finding Droppings

If you find drywood termite droppings in your home, act quickly. Even small amounts of frass can indicate a larger hidden infestation.

Confirm the source

Inspect nearby wooden structures for kick-out holes or damaged wood. Tap exposed wood to check for hollow-sounding wood, which can signal internal tunneling.

You may also notice other signs of drywood termites, such as blistering paint, warped trim, or winged termites around light fixtures. Avoid sealing or painting over the holes before a professional inspection, as this can complicate the evaluation.

Avoid DIY treatments

DIY products rarely eliminate a drywood termite colony. Surface sprays do not reach reproductives and workers deep inside infested wood.

A drywood termite infestation often extends into wall voids, attic beams, and other hidden areas. Without professional pest control, termites may continue feeding, causing significant damage over time.

Schedule a professional inspection

A licensed termite professional can confirm the type of termite, check the level of damage, and recommend treatment.

Depending on the infestation, treatment may include:

• Localized spot treatments
• Whole-structure fumigation

According to the University of California IPM, sulfuryl fluoride fumigation can eliminate drywood termite infestations throughout an entire structure when properly applied. This method reaches hidden colonies but requires occupants, pets, and plants to leave during treatment.

Early treatment stops new colonies from forming and reduces damage.

Schedule a Drywood Termite Inspection

If you see drywood termite droppings, do not wait. A termite problem can compromise wooden structures and reduce the value of your home.

At Native Pest Management, we provide professional pest control services throughout South Florida, focusing on identifying active termite colonies and recommending targeted solutions.

Preventative measures also play a role in long-term protection. Regular termite inspections, moisture control, and addressing exposed or damaged wood can help reduce the risk of future infestations.

If you suspect termite activity, contact us today to schedule a termite inspection.

FAQs

What do termite droppings look like in Florida homes?

Drywood termite droppings look like tiny, hard pellets with rounded ends. They often resemble coffee grounds or sand and form small piles beneath kick-out holes in wood. The type of wood the termites consume determines the color, which ranges from light brown to dark brown.

Are winged termites a sign of infestation?

Yes. Winged termites, also called swarmers or alates, are reproductives that leave a mature termite colony to start new colonies. Seeing them indoors is a strong indication of an active infestation nearby.

How do I get a free quote for termite control?

You can request a free quote by calling the phone number listed on Native Pest Management’s website or submitting an online form. A professional inspection will confirm whether drywood termite droppings indicate an active infestation and outline the recommended treatment plan.