What signs indicate an active infestation of wood-destroying insects?

The presence of frass and tunnels serves as a clear indication of an active infestation of wood-destroying insects. Frass, which consists of wood particles and insect excrement, is often found near entry points or within the wood that the pests have infested. Tunnels indicate the burrowing activity of insects such as termites or carpenter ants, showcasing that they are actively feeding on and damaging the wood structure.

This understanding is critical for pest control technicians because identifying these signs enables them to diagnose the problem accurately and take appropriate action to mitigate the infestation. Other options do not serve as effective indicators of an active infestation. For example, puddles of water might suggest moisture issues rather than insect activity, while quiet wood surfaces typically indicate no current activity, and visible spider webs may relate to environmental factors rather than wood-destroying insect presence.