What characteristic of frass is associated with the Old House Borer?

The characteristic of frass associated with the Old House Borer is that it resembles fine talc. This kind of frass is the wood powder produced by wood-boring insects as they tunnel through wood. The Old House Borer, a type of wood-destroying beetle, creates very fine, gritty particles of frass that can often be mistaken for sawdust, but its texture is more similar to fine talc.

This distinguishes it from frass produced by other pests, which may have different textures or consistencies. For instance, some insects may produce coarser frass, while others might produce more liquid or odoriferous waste. Understanding the characteristics of frass can be a crucial diagnostic tool for pest identification, helping pest control professionals determine the type of infestation and the appropriate treatment methods needed.