Which feature is indicative of frass produced by bark beetles?

Frass produced by bark beetles is characterized as dark and tightly packed, which reflects their feeding habits and the nature of the material they process. Bark beetles, during their tunneling through the bark and wood of trees, consume wood and create frass that consists of digested wood particles and excrement.

The frass is typically dark because it contains cellulose and other tree material that has been broken down, making it appear different from the lighter wood shavings produced by other insects like termites. The tightly packed nature of bark beetle frass is due to it being compacted within the tunnels made in the bark or wood, indicating the presence of active infestations.

In contrast, other types of insect frass might exhibit different characteristics, such as being light and fluffy, which could denote different feeding patterns, or moisture content that leads to loose formations. Granular and dry frass may be typical of other wood-boring insects, but bark beetles specifically produce frass that is more compact and darker due to their unique feeding and burrowing processes. This differentiation helps pest control professionals identify the specific type of pest present in a given situation.