If you have termite droppings but no termites, what does it mean? It could mean that you do indeed have termites, but they are buried deeper in the crevices of your home.
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses each year by breaking down wooden structures. Additionally, termite droppings can be harmful to your health. So whether you see termites or just their droppings, it is important to take action right away.
This guide will discuss what termite droppings look like and what you should do if you find them on your property. We will also talk about the steps you can take to prevent termites from invading your home or business.
What are Termites?
Termites are small insects with soft bodies and typically do not have wings. They have six legs which help them walk on surfaces like wood or paper without getting stuck. They live in colonies where there are three castes: soldiers, workers, and reproductive teams (or swarmers).
The soldier caste defends the colony from predators such as carpenter ants, while workers feed on cellulose found in plants and trees, making them destructive pests when they invade your house because they can eat through the wood very quickly.
Reproductive termites are the only ones in a colony that have wings, and they fly off to start new colonies, sometimes invading human-made structures like houses where they can cause serious damage.
There are four main types of termites: Subterranean termites, Formosan termites, Drywood termites, and Dampwood termites.
What are Termite Droppings and What Does it Mean if You Find Some?
Termite droppings are termite waste products. They are small, black to light brown pellets that often have a musty smell.
Termite droppings are also known as frass or termite feces. They are produced by the digestive system of these insects when they digest wood or other cellulose-containing materials such as cardboard boxes left lying around your house.
If you have termite droppings but no live termites present anywhere on your property, it means that there must be a colony of these insects living within the walls, ceiling, or floorboards of your house. If this is true, they may also have eaten through any wood structural beams in your building which could cause major damage to its foundations.
You should call an exterminator immediately if you find any signs of termites in your house, including winged swarmers and frass or droppings, because these pests can cause serious structural damage to homes and businesses if left unchecked for too long.
The presence of termite eggs or droppings can also be a sign that your house has been infested with other types of pests such as ants and roaches, so it is important to call an exterminator if you see any signs of these insects on your property. If left unchecked, they could cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your home or business premises.
Where Can You Find The Droppings?
Termite droppings can be found in many different places around your home and business premises. The signs you see in your home will depend on the termite species. The areas you can find the droppings are:
Window sill
The window sills are a great place to find termite droppings. You may want to inspect it for signs of termites if you have noticed any frass on your property or near this area.
Underneath objects
This can be anything from furniture pieces like tables and chairs, beds with wooden frames, dressers with drawers, and other items that aren’t attached directly to the floor.
Near the foundation
Termites often travel up and down from the foundation to the wooden parts of your house, so you may find droppings near this area.
In crawl spaces
The crawl space is an area between the floor of your house and the ground that is used for storage or to run cables and pipes. This is a popular place for termites to invade.
Inside the home
Termites will sometimes travel through the walls and ceilings of your house to get to food sources, so you may find droppings inside your home as well.
What Should You Do If You Find Termite Droppings?
There are a few things you should do if you find termite droppings or any other signs of these pests in your house.
Call an exterminator immediately
This is the most important thing you can do if you find any signs of termites in your house. An exterminator will be able to inspect your property for an active infestation and take steps to get rid of them.
Inspect other areas for termites
If you have found droppings in one area of your house, it may mean that there are more colonies located elsewhere. You should inspect other areas such as the basement or attic for any signs of these wood-destroying insects.
Fix any water leaks
Termites are attracted to moist environments and will often take advantage of any water leaks you have in your house.
Check the foundation
The termites may be eating away at the wood that supports your house and causing structural damage to its foundations. If this is true, they could eventually collapse under their own weight.
Keep an eye out for other signs of termites
There are many different signs of a termite infestation, so it is important to be vigilant for any changes in the condition of your property. If you see any other signs, such as winged warmers, mud tubes, or frass, call the exterminator right away.
Preventing Termites from Infesting Your Home or Business
There are several things that you can do to prevent termites from invading your home or business, including:
- Keep your property clean and free of clutter so that there is no place for these insects to hide.
- Remove any wood or cellulose-containing materials from your property, such as piles of firewood, old furniture, or lumber scraps.
- Install a termite barrier around the perimeter of your home or building. This will stop termites from invading your property in the first place.
- Regularly inspect your property for signs of termites and take steps to get rid of them if necessary.
- Call a professional exterminator annually so they can check whether there are any termite colonies living on your property that may need treatment.
With these steps, you should be able to prevent termites from invading your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a professional pest control company?
You can contact vetted pest control professionals on our site.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
The best way to get rid of termites will vary depending on the severity of the infestation. In some cases, you may need to call in a professional pest control company that will use specialized equipment and chemicals to treat the area. However, many DIY solutions can show varying levels of success if you have the time.
For example, setting up bait stations around your home or business premises is an easy way to attract termites and keep them away from the area where they live (such as underflooring). You could also try using vinegar mixed with water instead of insecticide sprays because it’s not only cheaper but also safer for children or pets who might come into contact with it accidentally.
How long do termites live?
Termites can live for up to five years, but this depends on the species and where they are located. Most species will die off after two or three seasons as their food sources start running out, so it’s important not to wait too long before taking action against an infestation because once those pests have made themselves comfortable in your home or business premises, it’ll be harder for you to get rid of them completely.
Termite droppings are a common sign of an infestation. If you see signs like these in your home, it’s best to call a pest control professional as soon as possible before they do more damage. It may be helpful for them if they know where exactly the termite droppings were found so that treatment can target those specific areas. The professionals will also answer any questions you may have about termites and how to get rid of them.
