Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by kavin
Subterranean Termite Droppings: What You Need to Know
Subterranean termites are known to cause severe damage to homes and buildings, and one of the telltale signs of their presence is the presence of their droppings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at subterranean termite droppings, including what they are, how to identify them, and what to do if you find them.
Table of Contents
- What Are Subterranean Termites?
- What Are Subterranean Termite Droppings?
- How to Identify Subterranean Termite Droppings
- The Importance of Identifying Subterranean Termite Droppings
- What to Do if You Find Subterranean Termite Droppings
- How to Prevent Subterranean Termites
- Signs of Subterranean Termite Infestation
- What to Expect from a Professional Termite Inspection
- DIY Methods for Termite Control
- Chemical Termite Control Options
- The Pros and Cons of Termite Baiting Systems
- Hiring a Professional Termite Control Company
- Termite Control Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Subterranean Termite Droppings
- Conclusion
1. What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are a type of termite that live in the soil and create tunnels and mud tubes to access their food source – the wood in your home or building. These termites are found in every state in the US except Alaska, and cause billions of dollars in damage each year.
2. What Are Subterranean Termite Droppings?
Subterranean termite droppings, also known as frass, are the fecal matter of subterranean termites. These droppings are tiny and pellet-shaped, and are often found near termite infestations or in areas where termites have been feeding.
3. How to Identify Subterranean Termite Droppings
Subterranean termite droppings are typically small, about the size of a grain of sand or a pencil tip. They are pellet-shaped and can be dark brown, black, or light brown in color. If you find these droppings in your home or building, it is a sign that you have a subterranean termite infestation.
4. The Importance of Identifying Subterranean Termite Droppings
Identifying subterranean termite droppings is important because it can help you detect a termite infestation early on. The earlier you detect a termite infestation, the easier it is to control and prevent further damage to your home or building.
5. What to Do if You Find Subterranean Termite Droppings
If you find subterranean termite droppings in your home or building, it is important to contact a professional termite control company right away. They can inspect your home or building, identify the extent of the infestation, and recommend the best course of action to eliminate the termites.
6. How to Prevent Subterranean Termites
Preventing subterranean termites involves several steps, including:
- Keeping wood and other cellulose-based materials away from the foundation of your home or building
- Fixing leaks and moisture problems in and around your home or building
- Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and walls of your home or building
- Installing physical barriers, such as metal mesh, around pipes and other entry points to your home or building.
7. Signs of Subterranean Termite Infestation
In addition to subterranean termite droppings, there are other signs that can indicate a termite infestation, including:
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Buckling or swollen floors
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Mud tubes on exterior walls or in crawl spaces
- Discarded wings from swarmers
8. What to Expect from a Professional Termite Inspection
A professional termite inspection involves a thorough examination of your home or building, including the foundation, walls, attic, and crawl space. The inspector will look for signs of termite damage, such as subterranean termite droppings and mud tubes, as well as other signs of infestation, such as hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings.
9. DIY Methods for Termite Control
There are several DIY methods for termite control, including:
- Applying a termite treatment solution to infested areas
- Using baiting systems to lure termites away from your home or building
- Applying termite-resistant coatings to wood and other cellulose-based materials
While these methods can be effective in some cases, it is important to note that they may not be sufficient for large or severe infestations.
10. Chemical Termite Control Options
Chemical termite control options include soil treatments, barrier treatments, and wood treatments. These treatments involve the use of chemical solutions to kill termites and prevent future infestations. While these treatments can be effective, they may also pose health and environmental risks.
11. The Pros and Cons of Termite Baiting Systems
Termite baiting systems involve the use of bait stations to lure termites away from your home or building. While these systems can be effective in controlling termites, they may take longer to work than other methods and may not be effective for severe infestations.
12. Hiring a Professional Termite Control Company
Hiring a professional termite control company is often the most effective way to control a termite infestation. These companies have the expertise and equipment to detect and eliminate termite infestations, as well as prevent future infestations.
13. Termite Control Costs
The cost of termite control can vary widely depending on the extent of the infestation, the type of treatment used, and the size of your home or building. On average, termite control costs between $500 and $2,500.
14. Frequently Asked Questions About Subterranean Termite Droppings
- Are subterranean termite droppings dangerous?
- No, subterranean termite droppings are not dangerous to humans or pets.
- Can subterranean termite droppings cause allergies?
- It is unlikely that subterranean termite droppings will cause allergies, but it is possible in rare cases.
- What do subterranean termite droppings look like?
- Subterranean termite droppings are small, pellet-shaped, and typically dark brown, black, or light brown in color.
- Can I get rid of subterranean termites on my own?
- While it is possible to control a small termite infestation on your own, it is often more effective to hire a professional termite control company.
- How can I prevent subterranean termites?
- To prevent subterranean termites, keep wood and other cellulose-based materials away from the foundation of your home or building, fix leaks and moisture problems, seal cracks and openings, and install physical barriers.
15. Conclusion
Subterranean termite droppings are an important sign of termite infestation that should not be ignored. If you suspect that you have a termite problem, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home or building. DIY methods can be effective for small or mild infestations, but for severe cases, it is recommended to hire a professional termite control company.
Remember to regularly inspect your home or building for signs of termite infestation, including subterranean termite droppings, and take preventative measures to keep termites away. By being proactive and taking the necessary steps, you can protect your property from the damaging effects of subterranean termites.
16. FAQs
- Are subterranean termite droppings dangerous?
- No, subterranean termite droppings are not dangerous to humans or pets.
- Can subterranean termite droppings cause allergies?
- It is unlikely that subterranean termite droppings will cause allergies, but it is possible in rare cases.
- What do subterranean termite droppings look like?
- Subterranean termite droppings are small, pellet-shaped, and typically dark brown, black, or light brown in color.
- Can I get rid of subterranean termites on my own?
- While it is possible to control a small termite infestation on your own, it is often more effective to hire a professional termite control company.
- How can I prevent subterranean termites?
- To prevent subterranean termites, keep wood and other cellulose-based materials away from the foundation of your home or building, fix leaks and moisture problems, seal cracks and openings, and install physical barriers.