Is Your Home at Risk? Finding Subterranean Termite Droppings

Subterranean termites are incredibly dangerous for homeowners, especially in the warm, moist climate of Florida. Encountering subterranean termite droppings can signal the presence of a secret infestation that could be causing nasty damage to your property. This guide will go into how to spot these droppings, and what to do if you discover them in or around your home. 

If you’re dealing with a termite infestation in your fine Florida home, give Orange Pest Control a call. We’re the state’s top termite defense team, and we can get your home protected as soon as possible!

What Do Subterranean Termite Droppings Look Like?

If you’ve found evidence of a termite invasion, like termite frass (or droppings), identifying what you’re looking at is your first step:

Appearance:

• Subterranean termite droppings are incredibly small, and hard to spot on their own. They resemble spilled coffee grounds mixed with sawdust.
• Unlike drywood termite droppings, they are oval-shaped with rounded ends. Drywood termites have more polygonal shaped frass.

The color usually varies from dark brown to black, depending on the wood consumed, and they're hard and dry.

Location:

• Look for small pile-ups near exit holes of the nest or entrance of termite tunnels/mud tubes.
• Common areas include wooden floorboards, window sills, corners of rooms, attics, crawlspaces, and even on beds or under carpets if the infestation is above the room.

Understanding these signs is crucial for early detection, which can lead to more effective and less invasive termite treatment solutions. If you come across what you suspect might be termite droppings, it's wise to contact pest control professionals for a thorough inspection and confirmation.

The Significance of Finding Termite Droppings

The discovery of subterranean termite droppings in your home is a clear signal that your property may be at risk. These droppings, often mistaken for sawdust or coffee grounds, carry significant implications:

Indicators of Infestation:

• Wormlike mud tunnels on walls or foundations are often the first visible sign of subterranean termites.
• Peeling paint, blistered paneling, or damaged drywall can also hint at underlying termite activity.
• The presence of discarded termite wings near baseboards or windowsills is another red flag.

Understanding the Risks:

Discovering termite droppings is the canary in the coal mine for homeowners. If you find any evidence of a termite infestation, take it seriously. You may be risking thousands of dollars worth of structural damage to your home. 

Termite activity can lead to damaged drywall and even structural failure if left unchecked. If you suspect a termite infestation, start checking any and all wood in your house, particularly support beams. 

What Should You Do?:

If you find evidence of termites in or near your home, don’t wait. Call a professional. DIY methods are spotty at best with termites, and you’re on a countdown clock from moment one. 

A professional pest control agency can quickly assess the scope of the infestation and plan next steps to remove it.

Regular inspections and termite monitoring stations will need to be set up to keep you and the pest control team in the loop if the infestation changes. .

Don’t panic! If you see subterranean termite droppings, it’s not the end of the world. Calmly get the help of a local pest control agency and they can help you assess the problem before any more damage is done. 

Termites and Other Pest Droppings - How are they different?

In distinguishing subterranean termite droppings from those of other common household pests, it's essential to note the differences in appearance, size, and location of these droppings. This knowledge can empower you to identify potential pest problems more accurately.

Rodent Droppings:

• Size and Shape: Typically larger than termite droppings, with pointed ends.
• Location: Scattered around areas where rodents frequent.

Cockroach Droppings:

• Size and Shape: Smaller, irregularly shaped.
• Location: Found in corners, under appliances, and on surfaces where cockroaches have been active.

Ant Droppings:

• Size and Shape: Similar in size and shape to termite droppings but usually scattered rather than found in piles.
• Location: Ant droppings can be found almost anywhere, but unlike termite droppings, they do not form in noticeable piles.

Professional Solutions and Preventive Measures

Protecting your home from the threat of subterranean termites requires a combination of proactive measures and professional interventions. Here's a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your property:

• Annual Inspections: As you can imagine, keeping termites away is easier with a team to help you monitor for them. If you’re at risk, or the property has had termites in the past, consider more frequent inspections.
• Termite Warranties: Consider renewing your home’s termite warranty annually to cover potential re-infestations.

Professional Treatments:

• Soil and Foundation Treatments: The property’s perimeter will be monitored and treated. Termite infestations often start in the yard!
• Bait Stations: These are helpful to capture termites before they reach the home.

Preventive Measures to Deter Termites

• Moisture Control: Regularly inspect for plumbing leaks and ensure gutters are clean to eliminate moisture sources that attract termites.
• Material Storage: Avoid storing firewood or newspapers against your house’s exterior.

Construction Choices:

• Termite-Resistant Wood: If building or renovating, opt for woods that deter termites.
• Sand Barriers: Replace soil around your home with sand; termites cannot tunnel through it.
• Crack Sealing: Fill in cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation to block entry points.

Choosing Professional Help vs DIY-ing the Problem

While DIY methods may seem cost-effective, professional termite treatment is more efficient and ultimately more economical in the long run. Experts use advanced techniques like trenching with termiticides, which can protect your home for up to 10 years, and bait systems that target the entire colony. Remember, termites cause over $5 billion in damage annually in the United States, and most homeowner insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Investing in professional pest control services not only ensures your home is protected but also saves you from potentially devastating repair costs in the future.

Conclusion

The significance of professional intervention cannot be overstated, given the sophistication required in treating and preventing termite invasions effectively. For those facing the challenge of subterranean termites, opting for expert help not only offers peace of mind but also ensures the most effective defense against these destructive pests. If you’re dealing with subterranean termites in or around your home, Orange Pest Control can help. By reaching out today to get a free quote, you take a decisive step towards safeguarding your home and starting to live worry-free. Consider this an essential investment in protecting your property, ensuring it remains safe and termite-free for years to come.