What is a key indicator of a potential wood-destroying insect infestation?

A key indicator of a potential wood-destroying insect infestation is the presence of visible wood shavings. These shavings, often referred to as frass, are produced by insects such as termites and wood-boring beetles as they tunnel through wood. Finding these shavings in or around wooden structures typically suggests that wood-destroying insects are actively feeding and creating galleries within the wood. This direct evidence of insect activity is critical for pest control professionals when assessing the health of a building and determining if an infestation is present.

While mold, condensation, and dry patches on wood can indicate various moisture-related issues or wood health concerns, they are not direct indicators of wood-destroying insects. Mold often arises from excessive moisture and does not necessarily correlate with insect activity. Frequent condensation is indicative of humidity problems that can lead to wood rot but again does not specifically point to insect infestation. Dry patches may suggest that wood is drying out or is not absorbing moisture properly, but they too are not a clear sign of insect presence. Focusing on the visible wood shavings allows pest control professionals to confirm the presence of wood-destroying insects and take appropriate action.