What type of frass do flat head, buprestid, wood boring beetles produce?

Flat head, buprestid, and wood boring beetles produce a distinctive type of frass that resembles "salt and pepper." This term is used to describe the granular, mixed texture of the frass, which consists of tiny wood particles interspersed with the excrement of the beetles. The appearance of this frass is often a key identifier when diagnosing an infestation, as it differs notably from the frass produced by other wood-boring insects.

The composition of salt and pepper frass is typically coarser than fine powder or dust, and it does not resemble wood chips, which are larger in size and indicate a different type of wood-boring activity. This specific texture helps pest control professionals and entomologists to differentiate between species and assess the extent of damage caused by these wood-boring beetles. Understanding the characteristics of frass is essential for effective pest management and treatment planning.