What is the primary way to identify drywood termite infestation?

Identifying a drywood termite infestation is crucial for effective management and control, and the presence of frass at entry points serves as a primary indicator. Frass, which is essentially termite droppings, is a clear sign that termites are active within the wood. These droppings are often pellet-shaped and can be found near areas where drywood termites are nesting or feeding, such as beneath furniture or around window frames.

While the active flight of swarmers is associated with drywood termites, it is not a consistent method of identification since swarmers are only present during specific seasons and conditions. Similarly, while large wood galleries are indicative of termite activity, they can often take time to develop and may not be the best initial indicator of an infestation. Chewing noises might suggest the presence of termites, but these sounds can be subtle and difficult to detect, making frass a more reliable and immediate sign of their presence. Thus, the detection of frass stands out as the most effective primary method for identifying a drywood termite infestation.