Question

Insect Droppings   QUESTION: We live in Jacksonville, Florida.  We noticed these droppings on the floor in our kitchen.  Directly above the floor is the cabinet which holds our sink.  They also appear inside the cabinet where the sink is, to the left of the sink against the wall of the cabinet.  Some also are appearing on the metal door hinge, about 2 feet up from the bottom of the cabinet.  Each time we sweep them up, oddly enough, more residue shows up within hours.  They are all the same shape and size.  We've checked the area around/inside the cabinet and see no evidence of insects.  Any idea what this could be?

ANSWER: Joyce,

These might be frass from drywood termites. Do the particles appear to have ridges? Take a look at http://www.livingwithbugs.com/drywood_termite.html and let me know if the pellets have the groves and ridges and we can discuss control options.

Jack DeAngelis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jack, first, thanks for the quick response.  My husband looked closely and they do not have any ridges or grooves.  They are all uniformed in shape, color and size and appear to be oval shaped.  Do you think they still could still be pellets from drywood termites?

ANSWER: Are they dry or moist and soft? Given the amount of material and their apparent size it appears to be drywood termite frass but the paricles should have grooves and ridges. Look directly above where you are seeing this material, can you see any small holes where it might be coming from?

Jack DeAngelis


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jack, they are dry.  We could not find any small holes anywhere near the area.  Thank you so much for your help, I guess it is time to have a pest control company come out and check it out.  It's been a pleasure.

Answer
Thanks. I agree. My guess is they'll find drywood termites in the cabinet. Depending on the extent of the infestation you may be able to make spot treatments. The pest control company may push tent fumigation (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/fumigation.html) but this can be expensive and not always necessary.

Jack DeAngelis