What Do Termite Exit Holes Look Like?

How do you know if the holes found in wood were made by termites or another type of insect? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify termite exit holes without the help of a professional pest control expert. Termite exit holes occur when drywood termites swarm away from their nest to form new colonies. The holes they leave behind are commonly mistaken for other holes left by other wood-destroying insects. Because these exit holes, also known as kick-out holes, are a big indicator of a termite infestation, it’s important to learn what termite exit holes look like. The team at Terminix Anderson is here with tips to help identify them.

What Types of Termites Create Holes in Wood?

Drywood termites are the most common termite to create kick-out holes. This is because drywood termites do not need contact with soil and often infest wood above ground. Subterranean termites swarm just like other termites in the spring and summer, but they leave their nests in a very different manner. True to their name, subterranean termites build nests underground and travel through mud tubes. These mud tubes also serve the purpose of being their exit from the nest. Seeing holes on a wooden structure, then, is typically indicative of drywood termite activity in or near your property.

Other Insects that Create Holes in Wood

Termites are not the only pest to cause holes in wood. There are a number of wood-destroying insects that can create very similar, tiny, round holes in wood. These insects include carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, carpenter bees, and bark beetles, among others. Each of these exhibit unique behaviors and have different wood preferences, making it difficult to know which wood-boring insect you’re dealing with. This is why it’s always important to contact pest control experts for help identifying termite holes or holes left by other pests.

Characteristics of Termite Exit Holes

A termite exterminator is usually the best source to identify termite holes in your property. That said, there are a few indicators that the holes in your wood were caused by termites: 

• Termite exit holes are round and no bigger than ⅛ of an inch.
• Once the termite swarmers leave, the termite nymphs within the nest will use a paste made out of frass to plug the holes.
• It is rare to see uncovered termite holes, as the nymphs work quickly after the swarmers depart.
• Wood that has been kicked out looks like tiny mustard seeds and can appear in a pile.

How to Identify Termite Kick-Out Holes in the Midwest

Seeing tiny, round holes in wood can be distressing. For that reason, it’s best to contact your local termite exterminators at Terminix Anderson as soon as you suspect termite activity. Contact us today to learn more about termite exit holes!