Frederick, MD
Frass and Exit Hole Review in Frederick
Finding small pellets below a windowsill or tiny holes in wood trim is a hallmark sign of drywood termite activity. A frass and exit hole review in Frederick confirms whether what you're seeing is termite frass, wood-boring beetle frass, or something else — and what action is warranted.
Identifying Drywood Termite Frass in Frederick Homes
Drywood termites, unlike the more common Eastern subterranean termites in Maryland, live entirely within wood. They do not need soil contact for moisture — they extract all the water they need from the wood they consume. Drywood termites are less prevalent in Maryland than in warmer southeastern states, but they are present and are occasionally found in Frederick County homes, particularly in furniture or antiques brought from areas with higher drywood termite populations.
Drywood termites push their fecal pellets — called frass — out of small circular exit holes in the wood. The pellets are distinctive: six-sided, elongated, about 1 millimeter long, and often tan to dark brown in color. They accumulate in small piles directly below the exit holes. These piles are easy to confuse with sawdust, sand, or wood-boring beetle frass, but the six-sided pellet shape under a magnifying lens is diagnostic for drywood termites.
Exit holes are used both to push out frass and as entry points for new reproductives seeking to establish a colony. A fresh exit hole with a smooth, clean edge and frass accumulating below it indicates an active infestation. An old exit hole that is dark, weathered, or filled with debris is likely from a previous infestation that may no longer be active. Our review distinguishes between these conditions and advises on whether treatment is needed.
Service Details
Visual inspection for frass piles and exit holes, specimen examination to confirm insect species, assessment of activity status (fresh vs. old), written report with identification and recommendations.
When pellet-like material is found below window frames, door frames, furniture, or wood trim. Also when small circular holes are noticed in wood surfaces in older Frederick homes.
30–60 minute focused inspection of suspect areas. Inspector shows you what they found, confirms species if possible, and explains treatment implications. Written report same day.
Common Questions About Frass and Exit Hole Reviews
How do I tell termite frass from sawdust or other debris?
Termite frass pellets have a consistent shape — six-sided with rounded ends — and feel gritty or granular rather than dusty. Sawdust is irregular in shape and size and feels powdery. Under a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom, the pellet shape is usually visible. If you collect a sample in a small bag, an inspector can confirm species identification.
Are drywood termites treated differently from subterranean termites?
Yes. Subterranean termite treatment targets the soil around the foundation — either with a liquid barrier like Termidor or bait stations like Sentricon. Drywood termite treatment is directed at the infested wood itself and may involve localized wood injection, fumigation (whole-structure or tent fumigation for severe cases), or removal of infested material. The distinction matters because using the wrong treatment approach wastes time and money.
Can wood-boring beetles produce frass that looks like termite frass?
Yes. Old house borers and other wood-boring beetles also produce frass and exit holes. Beetle frass is typically powdery or grainy rather than pellet-shaped, and exit holes may be oval rather than round. Our review distinguishes between the two and recommends the appropriate response for whichever species is present.
Found Frass or Exit Holes in Your Frederick Home?
Call (240) 555-0189 or request an estimate. We identify what you have and tell you what it means.