What is this?

[DDD]

Can anyone tell me what this is on our outside windowsill? Tiny and round, only on the one window but can’t find an answer. Can anyone help? Thanks

 

[Cubist]

Scale is always hard to discern but my first thought would be frass - beetle larva excreta - from one or other of the wood munching pests. Are those sections of timber near the foot of the frames soft if firmly pressed or flake aways if scraped?

 

[DDD]

Thank you for your reply, it does seem to be quite soft on the bottom inside wood, although it feels dry. We haven’t been here very long and it’s a very old house. The windows are in need of attention but hoping it’s not too serious.

 

[Zebra]

Spider poo? That would be a large quantity though. Perhaps some sort of spider public convenience, rather than the output of one individual...

 

[Cubist]

If I were you I would be examining the cills, head and jambs for any indications of softness as well. These elements would be the most difficult to repair or replace should it become necessary but in the meantime I would treating those frames, particularly the undersides if I could with some permethrin after abrading the old paint.

 

[DDD]

Thank you very much, will do that.