Are these termite droppings? What can I do?

11 years ago

This morning, I noticed some little dust looking droppings on my desk. I vacuumed them up. Then when I was sitting there working, I could hear the sound when they fell onto the folder I had on my desk, and within a couple of hours, I got half a dozen on the same folder. There are a few on the desk around the folder too. Are these termite droppings? I know we are not looking at this through a microscope, but what else can generate droppings like these?

Above my head is the ceiling:

I won't be surprised if the droppings come from the gaps between the light colored boards, but I can't see anything abnormal. There is no attic above. Just insulation and then the roof.

My question is: what can I do now? I really don't want to call the termite control because it will be very expensive. Plus I have three indoor cats who will be terrified if I have to relocate them during the treatment. I haven't seen any damage else where yet.

I have some liquid treatment (e.g. Termidor), but how do I apply it effectively in this situation? It's super toxic and I don't want to cause health problems to us and our cats.

Thank you.

Featured Answer

millworkman

11 years ago

"I really don't want to call the termite control because it will be very expensive"

Imagine the expense when they have done real damage, which they may have already done!!

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Comments (6)

debbie12153
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Drywood termites most likely. You need to get it professionally treated. I just went through it myself. An inspection should be free, but if what I am seeing is like sand, then it is their feces. Honestly the treatment was not bad and your cats should be fine. You would only have to move them from oom to room. My treatment was not toxic and odorless. It's all behind the wall and door frames. What state are you in?

Maybe put a bunch in a baggie and walk into a pest control place. They can tell you yay or nay.
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toxcrusadr
11 years ago
I think the OP is just saying if the Internet has an opinion it may save a possibly unnecessary visit from a pest control expert, not that she wouldn't have termites treated.

Can you get into the attic? What kind of insulation is up there? If you can get to that spot with a flashlight in hand and look under the insulation, you might even see the termites. They flee from light though, so you gotta be quick.
debbie12153
11 years ago
Dry wood termites, will swarm even in light.

I'd get a professional opinion before using anything toxic. Often an inspection for the property owner is free, ask. Are you finding wings, bugs with wings, or that same looking bug without wings? Often you will, but not always
cpartist
11 years ago
Like others have said if it looks like sand, it's dry wood termites. the treatment is not bad at all. they bore minute holes into where their nest is and spray there. we had them in a door. Our dog could hear them.
John Alabama
10 years ago
This is indication of termites problem dude, I suggest you either call for professional help (im serious) or take a look at this site here http://termitedroppings.org