What do termite pellets look like?

Everyday we receive a number of calls asking us to help people identify a number of concerns that they see around their house – from dry rot to damaged wood, from termite pellets to termite wings, from bed bugs to termites themselves – the list goes on and on!

Today we will discuss how to identify dry wood termite pellets that may be mounding up at your home. Here are some helpful facts that you may not know:

1. Where are they found?
   1. Usually, fecal pellets are the first sign of a termite infestation. They can be found anywhere in the home but they are most commonly seen on windowsills or near lights.
   2. Many people do not know that they may also be found caught in spider webs.
2. What do they look like?
   1. Dry wood fecal pellets are hard, elongated and are usually the size of coffee grounds.
      
   2. They have rounded ends and six flattened or concavely depressed sides with ridges at angles between the six surfaces.
   3. Dry wood termite pellets are mainly light tan in color with a few black pellets mixed in. (The photo above is zoomed in to show the shape and color.)
3. What should I do once I find them?
   1. If you find any dry wood termite pellets at your home, please call our experts at (714) 533-7800 or visit our website at www.chemfreeexterminating.com to schedule a free termite inspection! It is important to act fast once you find them in order to prevent more damage.

Check back for tips to help you distinguish dry rot vs. termite damage in the wood on your home!

Information from: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1232/.