See Sawdust? The 4 Warning Signs of Termite Infestations in Mississippi Homes

Here in North Mississippi, termites can be major trouble for homeowners.

Because termites feast on wood, they can hollow out support beams, flooring, and walls from the inside out. This can sometimes make it difficult to notice damage right away.

This is why it’s so critically important to get far ahead of termite problems. Prevention is always the best strategy, but we know that sometimes people don’t think about Mississippi termite control until there’s an issue.

Jump to Section

• What Are the First Signs of Termites in a House?
• What Does Termite Sawdust Look Like?
• Does Sawdust Always Mean Termites?
• What Is the Difference Between Termite Frass vs Sawdust?
• Where Do Termites Usually Appear in Mississippi Homes?
• How Can Homeowners Tell if Termite Damage Is Old or Active?
• Are Termites Common in Mississippi Homes?
• What Should You Do if You See Signs of Termites?
• Choosing Termite Services in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

In this article, we’ll dive into how to tell if you have termites. We’ll discuss key termite infestation signs and answer some of your most common questions about these pests.

Your wise choices can ultimately save the structural integrity of your home!

What Are the First Signs of Termites In a House?

There are various termite infestation signs that you can watch for, including some of these early ones.

• Mud tubes: One of the early warning signs our technicians most often find is the presence of mud tubes, particularly in crawl spaces. These are pencil-thick tunnels that termites construct from soil, saliva, and feces, and they’re used to protect and shelter the termite. Mud tubes on a house that come up from the foundation are also common (so be sure to explore the exterior).

• Swarmers inside the home: Another early sign of termite infestation we see is swarmers inside the home. Swarmers are reproductive termites leaving a colony to start a new one. They are dark, winged insects that usually shed their wings after landing. Homeowners might also find piles of wings.

• Frass: Frass is small, granular waste and is often mistaken for sawdust. While many of the termites we see in our region do not produce significant frass, if spotted, this can be a sign of termites in a house.
• Evidence of damage: Hollow-sounding wood, peeling paint, buckling floorboards, and warped windows and doors can all be signs that termites are damaging your home. These termite-damage warning signs are critical and should not be ignored, as termite damage can lead to structural failure if left unchecked.

What Does Termite Sawdust Look Like?

Sawdust from termites is called “frass” and is not actually sawdust but termite feces. It has been described as looking like small piles of sand, coffee grounds, or even pepper.

Frass can vary from a fine talcum powder appearance to being more like sawdust, but in North Mississippi, we most often see eastern subterranean termites, which do not produce a remarkable frass.

Does Sawdust Always Mean Termites?

No, signs of sawdust certainly do not always mean termites. In fact, as stated, many termites in our region do not produce distinctive frass, so you may never see this sign.

There are other wood-boring insects that can leave behind sawdust (or sawdust-like material), including carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles.

In fact, these pests are more likely to leave behind actual sawdust as they bore holes in your wooden structures.

What Is the Difference Between Termite Frass vs Sawdust?

At a glance, termite frass vs. sawdust might seem similar. But upon close inspection, frass pellets look like powder, sand, or sometimes pepper. The color depends on the type of wood being consumed. Termite frass tends to be uniform and gritty, while sawdust is uneven and fibrous, and will break apart easily.

Termite frass is this pest’s excrement or feces, and while it is not considered toxic, it can be irritating to the skin. Inhaling frass (yuck!) can lead to respiratory issues and have a negative impact on those with asthma.

But most concerning is that frass can be a warning sign of termite damage. If termites are producing frass, they are eating wood.

Where Do Termites Usually Appear in Mississippi Homes?

Termites in Mississippi homes tend to appear in foundation walls, crawl spaces behind walls, under flooring, and in attics.

Any part that contains wood or wood products is vulnerable.

Termites have even been known to consume the paper backing on sheetrock. These pests will typically gain entry either through a crawl space or through a crack in the slab or foundation… 1/16 of an inch is all it takes.

A leaking pipe, roof or window does not cause termites, but the damp wood is an open invitation to begin feasting. Damp, decaying wood is easier for termites to consume.

How Can Homeowners Tell if Termite Damage Is Old or Active?

Mud tubes on a house can be a strong indicator of recent termite damage. Old mud tubes will disintegrate, break, and disappear over time. But active termites will constantly rebuild new ones. So, if you see mud tubes on a house, it’s definitely a termite infestation sign.

Another sign of active termites includes the appearance of fresh frass. For instance, if you sweep up a pile and it reappears, it is most likely frass (not sawdust), which may indicate a termite infestation. People often also spot the pests themselves, sometimes in the swarmer stage.

Freshly damaged wood also tends to be damp, whereas old termite damage makes wood brittle and dry. You might see broken mud tubes that are dry and crumbling as they are not being repaired and rebuilt. No new droppings or swarmers are also good signs that the existing damage is old and there is no longer an active infestation.

Are Termites Common in Mississippi Homes?

Unfortunately, yes, termites are common in Mississippi homes. Our warm, humid climate makes our region a hotbed for termite activity.

Termites are an important part of nature as they consume decaying wood in their natural habitat. However, they are constantly searching for a new meal, and your home can easily become their next feast.

Termites can be highly destructive to homes, causing costly and devastating structural damage.

What Should You Do if You See Signs of Termites?

If you see signs of termites in your house, call an expert and leave the area alone.

We want to stress how important it is to leave the area untouched. We know it’s tempting to take immediate action yourself, but you might be delaying the termite inspection process.

Often, homeowners will spray an insecticide in the area, which might temporarily keep termites away, but it also makes identification and assessment very difficult for your technician. In the long term, these sprays do more harm than good.

With a problem as potentially serious as termites, we also do not advise taking matters into your own hands. Ultimately, you want to choose professional termite services to get the best results.

Choosing Termite Services in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

Due to the serious nature of a termite threat, you definitely want to make a wise choice when it comes to a termite inspection in Mississippi. You want to choose a professional service that is diligent in detecting active termites and preventing infestations.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we are Certified Sentricon Specialists® and can install non-invasive bait stations around your home to provide you with the ultimate in targeted subterranean termite control. Then, each year, we can conduct interior and exterior termite inspections to confirm these hungry pests stay away for good.

Truthfully, even if you do not have active termites or see signs of termites in your house, it’s still wise to invest in termite control. This proactive approach can save your home from costly damage.

Because termites are so common in our region and such a destructive pest, all homes in New Albany, MS and the surrounding areas require termite protection.

It’s not worth the risk of not treating them.

Ease your mind and give Lawn & Pest Solutions a call. You can receive a complimentary inspection, and we can provide a thorough plan to eliminate termites, help prevent further infestations, and protect your home.

We want you to be able to relax in your home. Give us a call today, and we’ll bring our proven termite-control experience to create a custom plan for your New Albany, MS, home. Get started today with a free quote.