Finding termite droppings (also known as frass) but not seeing any live termites is not unusual and can still indicate a termite infestation. Termites are notoriously elusive insects and hard to spot. Here are some reasons why you might see droppings but no termites:
- Nocturnal and Hidden Lifestyle: Termites are often active during the night and stay hidden. They live inside wood or soil, making them difficult to spot.
- Cleared Frass: Drywood termites often create kick-out holes in the wood, through which they push out their droppings. After clearing the droppings, they may seal these holes, leaving only frass as evidence of their presence.
- Moved to a Different Location: Termites could have moved to a different area of the structure after leaving droppings. They constantly look for new food sources, so their absence from one area doesn’t mean they are gone.
- Professional Treatment: If the property has recently undergone termite treatment, the termites may have been eradicated, but their droppings could remain as evidence of a past infestation.
- Colonies within Structures: Termites might have built their colonies inside walls, floors, or wood, making them less visible while their droppings indicate their presence.
It’s important to take termite droppings seriously, even if you don’t see live termites. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a pest control professional who can conduct a thorough inspection and recommend appropriate treatment options. Ignoring termite signs can lead to extensive and costly damage over time.