Mysterious Granules Under Sofa: Not Insect Droppings

NYC apartment: Clear/white sugar-like crystals on wood desk/drawer near paper. Reappear after cleaning. No roaches in traps. Not roach droppings. Homeowner fears glue-eating insects.

Expert Analysis

Not insect frass. Insect droppings don't look like uniform sugar crystals.

Tests to Run

• Water test: Dissolves? = salt/sugar. Doesn't? = mineral/paint.
• Alcohol test: Dissolves? = some salts/organics.
• Magnification: Crystal shape = mineral (efflorescence).

Likely Sources

• Efflorescence: Salts migrating from concrete/plaster through wood.
• Ceiling tile/paint degradation.
• Plant exudates (if plants overhead).
• Paper/glue breakdown (unlikely to be crystalline).

Next Steps

Collect sample in vial. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension or local university for microanalysis. No infestation indicated.