Which of the following is a common sign of a termite infestation?

Frass, or termite droppings, is a common sign of a termite infestation because it consists of the digested wood that termites consume. As they tunnel through wood to create their galleries, they excrete small pellets that resemble sawdust or granules. This frass is often found near areas where termites are active, such as along baseboards or within wooden structures. Noticing this material can often lead homeowners or pest control professionals to investigate further for the presence of termites.

In contrast, rusty pipes may indicate plumbing issues rather than pest activity, compressed wood is not a typical indicator of termites and could suggest other forms of structural damage, and peeled paint usually signifies moisture problems or temperature fluctuations rather than an active termite problem. Each of these may indicate different concerns in a home, but only frass is a direct indicator of termite activity.