Are Termite Poop and Frass the Same?

1.13.25
Blog, Termites

Whether you are worried about a termite infestation or trying to educate yourself proactively about these pests, you might encounter different terms referring to their waste. Both termite frass and termite droppings are often used in discussing termite poop. In short, all of these terms mean the same thing, although frass is the more scientific term for the debris specifically left by insects like termites. Unfortunately, no matter which name you call it, finding termite poop indicates a termite problem and the need for professional pest control. Learn more about termite frass and other signs of termite infestations below.

What to Know about Termite Poop

If you find what appears to be coffee grounds or sawdust in unlikely places, those tiny piles might be termite frass. Termite poop is oval in shape, and this pellet-like frass is typically around one millimeter or the size of a sharp pencil point. In color, it may be a darker black or varying shades of beige or brown. Although these droppings may look similar to the waste of other insects like carpenter ants and cockroaches, the size and shape of termite poop tends to be more uniform with six sides that curve inward and rounded ends. Also, a singular dropping may be almost invisible to the naked eye, so it’s typically the accumulations of termite poop that call attention to a problem.

In terms of its location, termite poop typically appears where termites are consuming wood. Consequently, you might find termite poop in many different places from attics and porches to window sills and floors. As further explained by the University of Florida, drywood termites may eject their waste from tiny holes in wood baseboards or other places they’ve taken over, resulting in piles of termite frass. However, subterranean termites use their poop to create tunnels. Regardless of what the poop looks like or where it is found, it’s time to call the termite exterminator near you.

Frass & Other Signs of Termites

Termite frass tends to be one of the first signs that homeowners may see of a termite infestation. Unfortunately, these pests may have already done a significant amount of damage to a property by the time of this sighting, especially if you wait to act on what you’ve discovered or even suspect. As noted at Bob Vila, the type of damage and the extent of it can cost thousands of dollars to address. Consequently, preventative care, routine inspections by professional pest control companies and vigilance by homeowners are imperative for helping prevent termite infestations and related complications. In addition to piles of termite poop, here are other signs of termites that you may see inside and outside:

Signs of termites outside: Mud tubes running along the foundation of your home, garage or shed may indicate the presence of subterranean termites. Seeing a flying termite is another possibility. As shared by the North Carolina State Extension, this sighting is especially likely after a rain and on a warmer spring day. Other termites may also be visible in damaged and infested wood, like rotting trees or piles of deteriorating wood planks or fencing. Of course, you might find termite frass outside as well.
Signs of termites inside: While there are many reasons that windows and doors might warp or paint and wallpaper may bubble or peel, termites might be one of them. Around various openings into and out of the home, wings from termite swarmers may appear. Visible wood damage and creaky flooring or hollow-sounding wood such as in door frames may also point to a termite infestation. Mud tubes or tunnels may also appear in crawl spaces and other locations in the home.