| Tiny, 6-sided pellets, uniform | Odorless | Near wood, baseboards, windowsills | Termite infestation | |
| Mouse droppings | Small, dark, pointed ends | Musty or ammonia-like | Near food, cabinets, along walls | Rodent infestation |
| Cockroach droppings | Small, dark, cylindrical, ridged | Musty | Near water, appliances, cabinets | Cockroach infestation |
| Dried Play-Doh | Brown, granular, uniform | Odorless | In children’s rooms, play areas | Dried Play-Doh crumbs |
| Coffee grounds | Dark brown, granular | Coffee smell | Near coffee maker, kitchen | Spilled coffee |
| Chia seeds | Small, black or white, oval | Odorless | Near pantry, bulk food storage | Spilled seeds |
| Couscous | Tiny, pale, round | Odorless | Near pantry, kitchen | Spilled food |
When to Actually Worry (Red Flags)
Let me give you clear guidelines.
Call a pest control professional if:
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You see live insects, rodents, or other pests.
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You find droppings near food or in cabinets.
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You hear scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings.
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You see damage to wood, wires, or insulation.
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The particles are moving (yes, that happens).
You probably don’t need pest control if:
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The particles are dry, odorless, and not moving.
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You can identify a non-pest source (Play-Doh, coffee, crafts).
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The only “evidence” is a pile of mysterious granules.
When in doubt, call a professional. But ask yourself the simple questions first.
