By Gary Anderson|August 26, 2025|5 min read

Termite Droppings (Frass)

How to identify termite frass, where to find it, and what it means for your home.

~1mm Long

Pellet size

6 Sides

Hexagonal shape

Generally Safe

Not harmful to humans

Termite droppings are more commonly known as termite "frass." Visible frass is usually the result of termites infesting your home. These termites live inside wooden structures and use exit holes to push their excrement out, preventing blockages inside the colony.

Once pushed out, termite frass builds into what looks like small piles of sawdust. If you notice these piles, check above for a small hole or a spot where mud has built up that can be wiped away to reveal an exit hole.

Important: If any of these signs exist, it is likely a termite problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Call for a termite inspection right away to prevent further damage.

What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?

Drywood Termite Frass

Small pellets about 1mm in length
6 sides with rounded tips
Color depends on wood type being consumed
Darker woods = darker frass
Resembles sand, pepper, coffee grounds, or sawdust

Subterranean Termite Frass

Liquid waste mixed with dirt and saliva
Used to build mud tubes
Connects colonies to wooden structures
Can be formed into various structures

Where You Will Find Termite Frass

Termite frass is a good indicator of a termite problem. These pellets may go unnoticed, but if you know where to look, it becomes easier to identify an infestation:

Near wooden structures (windowsills, door frames, baseboards)

On beds, countertops, and other surfaces

Underneath carpet

In basements and crawlspaces

In mud tubes connecting ground to wooden structures

Can Frass Fall from the Ceiling?

Finding frass on beds and surfaces away from walls could indicate termites in the attic. This is rarely good news, as termites that high have usually worked their way up through wooden framing. Check for damage from ground to ceiling to understand the extent.

Spotted Termite Droppings?

Get a professional inspection to determine the extent of the problem.

Call (866) 326-2847

Drywood Termite Frass

Drywood termites leave very few signs until a lot of damage is already done. Once they burrow into wood, they seal themselves in and rarely leave. They continue eating until the wood is structurally compromised.

Drywood termite droppings build up in small piles around wooden structures. They have the appearance of dark grains of sand, sawdust, coffee grinds, or pepper. By the time frass is noticed, significant damage may have already occurred.

Subterranean Termite Frass

Subterranean termites use liquid waste mixed with dirt and saliva to create a substance for building mud tubes and structures. Their droppings help build and extend nest reach.

Mud Tube Locations

Found under home connecting ground to support beams, or outside climbing up siding.

Entry Points

Cracks in foundations, expansion joints, patios, empty wall cavities, and near plumbing.

Termite Droppings vs. Other Materials

vs. Carpenter Ant Droppings

Both leave sawdust-like piles. Termite pellets are compacted cellulose. Carpenter ant debris is shredded wood (they chew but do not consume).

vs. Sawdust

Sawdust is small wood splinters. Termite droppings are compacted pellets. Under magnification, termite pellets have rounded points and 6 sides.

vs. Termite Eggs

Eggs are translucent capsules. Droppings are brown to grey pellets. Eggs are kept deep in the nest and rarely seen.

What to Do If You Find Termite Droppings

Schedule Inspection

Your immediate response should be to schedule a termite inspection. Termites never stop eating and cause serious damage.

Are They Dangerous?

Frass is not a disease vector like cockroach or ant waste. Made of cellulose (rich in magnesium). Generally safe unless you have allergies or respiratory issues.

How to Clean

Frass can be swept or vacuumed up without concern. No special precautions needed unless allergies or severe respiratory problems exist.

Note on Age: Termite frass is primarily digested cellulose that takes a very long time to degrade. The color does not change and there is no smell. Regardless of age, frass indicates active infestation requiring treatment.

Get a Termite Inspection Today

If you discover termite droppings in your home, a licensed termite expert will determine if the material is termite frass and assess how much damage has been caused. Call EcoGuard Pest Management today to protect your home.

Call (866) 326-2847 Get Free Quote

Termite Droppings FAQs

What should you do if you find termite droppings?

Termite droppings should be brought to the attention of a reputable pest control company so they can conduct a thorough termite inspection.

Are termite droppings harmful?

Termite droppings are generally harmless for those without allergies and respiratory problems. They can be easily cleaned up without taking any precautions.

What does termite droppings look like?

Drywood termite droppings look like sawdust. They are tiny, compacted pellets of cellulose that have 6 sides and are brown or grey.

What does it mean when you see termite droppings?

Termite droppings are a sign of an active termite infestation. It is important to seek treatment at the first sign of activity to mitigate further property damage.

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