Protek Pest ServicesTiny Pellets on a Windowsill? Think Drywood Termites
Fine pellets collected on dark wood.
Termites without mud tubes
Many people look for termites by watching for mud tubes on walls. That's the sign of subterranean termites. Drywood termites are different: they live entirely inside dry timber and don't need contact with the soil, so there are no tubes to see.
Instead, the clue is what they push out of the wood.
What the pellets look like
- Very small, hard and grain-like, often compared to coarse sand or tiny seeds.
- Usually the same colour as the wood they came from, from pale to dark brown.
- Found in small piles or scattered below the wood, such as under window frames, along skirting, on shelves or beneath furniture.
- Often appear again after you clean them up, which is a sign of ongoing activity.
Other signs of drywood termites
- Tiny round "kick-out" holes in wood where pellets are pushed out.
- Wood that sounds hollow or papery when tapped.
- Blistered or bubbling paint on wooden surfaces.
- Discarded wings near windows or lights after a swarm.
- Damage that is hidden behind a surface that still looks fine.
Could it be something else?
Possibly. Fine, powder-like dust from small holes in wood can be left by other wood-boring insects, such as certain beetles. Dust, sawdust from building work or old furniture can also look similar. This is one reason identification matters, because the right treatment depends on what is in the wood.
What to do
- Collect a small sample in a sealed bag or container, and photograph the area.
- Note the location, how often the pellets reappear and any damaged wood.
- Avoid sealing holes before an inspection, so the activity can be confirmed.
- Don't ignore it. Drywood termites can damage furniture, door and window frames, roof timber and other wooden parts of a building over time.
When you should call a pest control company
- You find small pellets under wood that keep reappearing.
- Wood sounds hollow or has tiny holes.
- You see discarded wings or winged insects indoors.
- You're buying, renting or taking over a building and want it checked.
What happens at an inspection
A technician checks inside and outside the property, looks for signs of activity, works out where pests are getting in and what is attracting them, and explains what was found. You then get a clear recommendation. Protek Pest Services offers a free, no-obligation inspection across St. Kitts & Nevis.
Frequently asked questions
What is frass?
Frass is the waste material that wood-eating insects push out of the wood. Drywood termite frass usually looks like small, hard pellets.
Do drywood termites need soil?
No. Unlike subterranean termites, they can live entirely inside dry wood.
Can furniture have drywood termites?
Yes. Drywood termites can be in furniture, door frames and other timber, which is why furniture is a common place to find pellets.
Found pellets under wood?
Book a free inspection. We'll identify what it is and recommend the right treatment.