What is a potential sign of drywood termite infestation?

Frass, or fecal pellets, is a significant indicator of a drywood termite infestation. These small cylindrical pellets are a byproduct of the termites' digestion of wood. When drywood termites consume wood, they excrete these pellets, which often accumulate near the infestation site. Finding frass is particularly important in identifying drywood termites because it demonstrates not only the presence of the termites but also that they are actively feeding and infesting the wood in the area.

The other signs mentioned can indicate various issues but are not exclusive to drywood termites. Sawdust trails, for example, are more characteristic of subterranean termites, which create visible trails as they tunnel through wood. Knots in wood can result from a variety of factors, including natural defects in the wood grain, and do not specifically point to a termite problem. A soft wood texture may suggest wood decay or damage from various insects, including carpenter ants, rather than specifically indicating drywood termite activity. Therefore, frass serves as the most telling sign of a drywood termite infestation.