If you’ve ever wondered, what do termites droppings look like, you’re not alone. Termite infestations can be sneaky, and spotting their droppings—also called frass—is one of the clearest signs you might have a problem. But here’s the thing: termite droppings don’t look like ordinary dirt or dust. Knowing how to recognize them can save you thousands of dollars in home repairs.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about termite droppings: how to identify them, where to find them, and why they matter.
What Exactly Are Termite Droppings?
Termite droppings (or frass) are tiny pellets left behind by termites as they tunnel through wood. Unlike other pests that leave messy waste, termites are surprisingly neat. They push their droppings out of their tunnels, creating small piles that often resemble sawdust or coffee grounds.
These droppings are usually dry, hard, and uniform in shape—an easy-to-miss but important red flag for homeowners.
What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?
So, let’s get straight to the main question: what do termites droppings look like?
Shape: Tiny, oval-shaped pellets with rounded ends.
Size: About 1mm long—similar to grains of sand or salt.
Color: Ranges from light beige to dark brown, depending on the wood termites have eaten.
Texture: Dry, granular, and not sticky (unlike cockroach droppings).
You’ll often find these droppings in small piles, usually near wooden furniture, baseboards, or window frames.
Where Are Termite Droppings Usually Found?
Termites don’t just leave droppings anywhere—they push them out of tiny holes in their tunnels. That means you’ll typically spot frass in these places:
Around wooden furniture or baseboards
Near cracks in walls or ceilings
Close to window sills and door frames
Inside attics or crawl spaces
Around wooden decks or sheds
If you see droppings in multiple areas, that could mean the infestation is spreading.
Why Are Termite Droppings a Problem?
Finding frass doesn’t just mean termites are nearby—it means they’re active. And active termites can cause major structural damage before you even realize it.
Here’s why termite droppings should never be ignored:
They confirm termite activity – unlike mud tubes or damaged wood, droppings are direct proof termites are inside your home.
They indicate hidden damage – droppings usually show up after termites have been eating wood for a while.
They can spread quickly – if left unchecked, termites can damage floors, walls, and furniture in a matter of months.
Termite Droppings vs. Other Pest Droppings
Not sure if it’s termite frass or something else? Here’s how to tell the difference:
Cockroach droppings: Dark, cylindrical, and sometimes sticky.
Carpenter ant frass: A mix of wood shavings, insect parts, and debris.
Mouse droppings: Larger, pointed at the ends, and soft when fresh.
If what you’re seeing looks like fine, uniform sand-like pellets, chances are it’s termites.
What to Do If You Find Termite Droppings
If you spot signs of termite frass, here’s your next step:
Don’t ignore it – termites won’t just “go away” on their own.
Check nearby wood for damage like hollow spots, bubbling paint, or cracks.
Call a pest control expert – they’ll confirm whether it’s termites and create a treatment plan.
Trying to vacuum up the droppings without addressing the source is like mopping up a leak without fixing the pipe.
FAQs About Termite Droppings
Q1: How can I be sure it’s termite droppings and not sawdust?
Termite frass looks like tiny sand grains, while sawdust is irregular, flaky, and much lighter.
Q2: Are termite droppings harmful to humans?
No, termite frass isn’t toxic, but it may trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.
Q3: Where do drywood termites leave droppings?
Drywood termites push their droppings through “kick-out holes” in wood, leaving neat piles behind.
Q4: Do subterranean termites leave droppings too?
Not usually. Subterranean termites keep their waste inside tunnels, so droppings are rarely visible.