More likely carpenter ants. Termites usually build mud tunnels from the ground to the wood.

Looks like carpenter ants to me as well.

Spray those holes with pyrethrins (sp?)... that's what the expensive exterminator guy did. I could have done that.

I would take a sample along with your photos to a DIY pest control store - they can look at it under magnification (if needed) and be able to ID it.

Subterranean Termites do not leave anything much behind. They eat and digest the wood. The mud tubs they use to get to moisture are the most visible thing.

Dry wood termites can live in wood without high moisture content and may create frass that they throw out of the wood.

Carpenter ants (and carpenter bees) do not eat the wood, but dig tunnels to live in it. They leave frass (sawdust sort of stuff) outside the entry holes they make into the wood as they excavate their tunnels.

Carpenter ants or some other borer. You must eliminate them soon...or you'll be replacing alot of wood.

Termites and carpenter ants love moist wood...essentially they're smart..."why work harder than you have to?"...would seem to be their motto. In addition to treating for the pests, find the source of any moisture and try to eliminate that as well.

Did you ever find out what was eating your porch? That hole looks awfully big.

I just found a pile that looks something like yours in my crawlspace. Yeech!

Let me know if you did find out what it was! Thanks!

october17, this post is 2 years old. I doubt the original poster is hanging around waiting for replies.