What are the signs of termites in furniture?

I noticed small piles of what looks like sawdust near my wooden dresser. Could this be evidence of termites in my furniture?

Yes, it could be signs of termite damage to your furniture. Drywood termites are the species most likely to set up inside furniture. 

Unlike subterranean termites, which nest underground and travel up through soil, drywoods live entirely within the wood they're eating. That means a piece of furniture can be both their home and their food source, with no soil contact needed.

The small piles you're seeing are likely frass, which is the pellet-like droppings drywood termites push out of tiny kick-out holes as they tunnel through wood. It's one of the clearest signs of an active drywood termite infestation. If you're also noticing small holes in the wood surface or the piece sounds hollow when tapped, that adds evidence that termites could be the culprit.

Drywood termites can spread to other wooden items in the same room, and if the infestation is large enough, they may move into structural wood in your walls, floors, or roof. That's when the stakes get significantly higher. 

When it comes to termites, it’s always best to act quickly to avoid further damage. Our termite control technicians can confirm whether you have termites or some other wood-boring insect.