Finding sawdust piles in or around your Vancouver island home can be anxiety inducing, as fears of detrimental termite damage arise. However, termites are not the only pests that leave sawdust piles behind. Insects such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powder post beetles are also viable culprits. It’s important to properly identify a pest and not jump to any conclusions as there are different ways to deal with pest infestations. This blog provides you with the knowledge necessary to identify your problem and decide on the best treatment option.  

What is sawdust?

Sawdust is fine particles or shavings of wood that are produced when wood is cut, sanded or any other kind of working wood. If you have construction going on in your home or you’re involved in projects with wood, sawdust piles would not be unusual. When you see sawdust in an unusual place it’s worthwhile to inspect further.

Insect-Related Sawdust

Termites 

Termites are notorious for their destructive abilities as they cause the most damage out of all the wood infesting insects, including the others discussed in this section. 

There are 2 main types of termites: 

Insect-Related Sawdust

Termites 

Termites are notorious for their destructive abilities as they cause the most damage out of all the wood infesting insects, including the others discussed in this section. 

There are 2 main types of termites: 

• Subterranean Termites 

Subterranean termites build tunnels underground, known as “mud tubes,” in order to reach food sources above ground and protect themselves from open air. These termites eat wood 24/7, biting off small pieces of wood using their saw-toothed jaws. These termites can severely damage a building structure; worst case, causing it to collapse. 

• Dampwood Termites   

 As the name suggests, dampwood termites are generally found in moist or rotting wood. Places with lots of rainfall like Vancouver Island may be more susceptible to these insects. These termites are larger than other termite species however, their colonies are the smallest. They cover up their entry holes with their own feces and can extend their eating habits from wet wood to dry wood. Just like any other termite species, dampwood termites can cause a lot of harm and can even hollow out support beams. 

Termites don’t leave sawdust behind; it’s actually their feces, referred to as frass, which looks similar to wood because that’s all termites eat. What’s left behind are uniform pellet shapes instead of irregularly shaped wood shavings. 

Carpenter Ants 

Carpenter ants can cause serious damage to wooden structures in your home if action is not taken. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they create tunnels towards a centralized nest where they live and lay their eggs. They sweep all the sawdust and debris out as they like to keep the space clean. Look for bodies of small insects in the debris, carpenter ants feed on other insects. 

Carpenter ants live in large colonies and foragers will search around the house for protein or sugar-rich foods to bring back to the nest. Look in kitchens and moist areas like windows for sawdust piles as well as discarded wings. Males and females can grow wings during mating periods and you may be able to see them flying around your home. 

• Carpenter Bees 

  Carpenter bees create burrows in exposed wood that they use as nests, leaving behind the excavated sawdust. The entry points to their burrows are larger than that of the other insects on this list, and approximately the size of your fingertip. They resemble bumble bees but they have a shiny, smooth abdomen while bumblebees have fuzzy and hairy abdomens. They do not live in colonies however, the next generation of bees will build their own nest nearby causing increased damage over time. 

• Powder Post Beetles 

  Powder post beetles turn wood into powder. The look of the sawdust depends on the species but is typically finer than that of the other insects listed. Similar to termites, the “sawdust” that powder post beetles leave behind is actually frass. While the larvae are growing in the wood they consume and digest it creating a powder, and when they become adults they tunnel out of the wood pulling the dust with them and creating piles.

   

  These beetles can be identified by their distinctive hole pattern. There is a collection of small holes in close proximity to each other, as each beetle tunnels out on its own. 

   

  Wood infested by powder post beetles can be abandoned after they all mature and bore out. Dust can stay in the holes for years after the beetles have left, and it’s a good idea to get the wood inspected to ensure that the wood has truly been abandoned. The colour of the dust from an active infestation will be similar to the colour of wood, but over time it will oxidize and turn a rusty colour.  

   

Non Insect-Related Sawdust  

If you have had any construction done at your house, however minor, that could be the cause of your sawdust pile. It could be something as simple as hanging a photo on the wall, new cabinet installations or anything involving drilling into your home’s wood joist or stud framing. If you recently moved into a home, check in with previous owners to see if they had any work done on the house before you moved in. If any of these explanations align with the location of the sawdust, a simple vacuum is all that’s needed. 

Old wooden floors or furniture can also shed small amounts of sawdust as they age. 

What to do if you Find Sawdust 

Look for abnormal signs like large quantities of sawdust in various places, damaged wood with holes, discoloration or hollow sounds, and any insect sightings, discarded wings, or nesting areas. If you find sawdust in an unusual place like the kitchen or by windows and your home isn’t undergoing any construction, that may be a sign of insect activity. 

Consult a professional if you suspect you are dealing with an infestation, as a pest control professional can conduct a more thorough inspection and if there is a problem, recommend proper treatment. 

How to Prevent an Infestation 

To prevent pest infestations, here are a few things you can do: 

Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and windows to prevent pests from coming into your home

Eliminate Moisture: Some of these insects are attracted to damp wood since it’s easier for them to chew through, so it’s best to repair any leaks or moisture problems within your home

Maintain Wood: Make wood less attractive to pests by treating your wood with effective sealants 

Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect wooden structures or furniture for signs of damage or pests 

Old Island Pest Control offers pest management and exterminator services for both residential and commercial properties. We have local pest control experts at locations across Vancouver Island including Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville & Qualicum, Courtenay, Victoria and Campbell River. Call us today to learn how we can help.