A covert invasion silently unfolds in the depths of your house, where secrets hide behind the plaster and paint. Unbeknownst to you, the army of tiny and insidious creatures march through the shadows; their appetite lies on the unsuspected drywall that holds your sanctuary together.

These invaders are none other than termites, masters of disguise and destruction. Termites can make your home their permanent residence and inflict billions of dollars in damage. So, treat these pests seriously since, despite their small size, they are the most damaging pests and can cause harm to your home.

They usually infest drywall because it provides the ideal combination of cellulose and shelter to form their colonies. But don’t worry- by recognizing termite signs in the drywall, you can easily defeat these annoying bugs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the drywall signs of termites inside the house, helping you identify these invaders and take timely action against them.

So, keep reading.

Drywall Signs of Termites Inside House

Signs of Termites Behind Drywall 

1. Air Bubbles or Blistering

Blistering and air bubbles are the first signs of termites behind drywall. Termites build mud tubes as they move back and forth between your home and their colony. Additionally, these mud tubes act as a protective wall.

Termites are blind insects that have poor vision. They also migrate to and from inside the wall using this tunnel system as a route-finding aid.

When bubbles and blisters emerge on your wall, termites have probably already started to damage the drywall, and mud tubes are probably close to the surface.

2. Hollow Sounds and Sagging Drywall

The drywall’s altered structural integrity is one sign of termites’ presence inside it. Termites cause hollow areas in the walls by eating the cellulose material inside the plasterboard, including the swallow paper on it.

It makes hollow noises when you tap on the surface. Additionally, termites can undermine the walls of your home, causing them to sag in various places. When you tab, the wall may occasionally collapse, indicating that termites have seriously harmed the structure and that you should act quickly.

3. Peeling Paint

The paint on your house’s walls flakes off when termites invade it. Paint bubbles appear on the walls as though the walls have suddenly soaked up a lot of water.

It takes place because the walls absorb moisture when they become hollow, and the temperature drops. As a result, the paint starts to flake off, and bubbles emerge on the wall. It appears to be water damage, but it’s termite damage.

4. Discarded Wings

Termites swarm during the specific season when they establish new colonies. After mating, termites shed their wings, leaving piles of discarded wings on the windowsills, entry points, and the floor.

Finding these discarded wings near your drywall indicates that termites are actively present and have infested your house.

5. Frass Droppings

Termites produce tiny pallets, which are called frass, which is essentially their droppings. These droppings are similar in color to wood or drywall and can accumulate near infested areas.

In case you see frass in your house around the drywall, it means termite infestation is active.

Termite Pinholes in the Drywall

To exit their colonies, termites drill tiny pinholes in the surrounding walls. They exit through these little apertures. On the sheetrock, plasterboard, timber walls, and beams, the holes can be seen.

It’s necessary to call a pest control company as soon as you detect these termite pinholes in the drywall, which shows that termites have already begun to reproduce.

Early Stage Termite Damage Drywall

As silent infiltrators, termites can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home, especially within the confines of your drywall.
Recognizing early stage termite damage drywall is crucial for timely intervention.

Termites in walls can often go unnoticed, making vigilance essential.
There are various types of termites, and each may exhibit distinct signs of infestation. Regular termite inspections are key to identifying these subtle but destructive invaders.

Early signs of termite damage in drywall include small pinholes or cracks resembling ordinary wear and tear. As termites establish colonies within the drywall, they create tunnels and galleries, resulting in a hollowed-out structure.

This damage may progress to produce a brittle texture or a hollow sound when tapped. Be attentive to bumps or sagging sections in the drywall and any discoloration or staining indicating moisture collection.

If you suspect termite activity, a thorough termite inspection is crucial to assess the extent of the infestation and determine the appropriate course of action. Remember, early detection is key to minimizing potential long-term damage.

Early-Stage Signs of Termites in Ceiling

Termites can affect your ceilings in addition to drywall. There are many early termite infestation indicators in the ceiling that you can look for.

Have a look:

1. Clicking Sounds

When a termite colony is disturbed, they make a clicking or a bagging sound by hitting its head against the wall.

When you hear unusual sounds, especially during the quiet hours of the day, it may be an indication that termites are infesting the wood within your ceiling.

2. Holes in the Ceiling

Termites enlarge holes in your ceiling, known as “kick-out holes,” through which they force out waste or expel fecal material. Due to the fact that termites use these holes as their entry and exit points, they occasionally even fall from them.

When you discover these holes all over your ceiling, it means termites have occupied your house.

Sign of Termites in Roof

Termites are pests that can infest every part of your house. From floor to ceiling and roof, they can cause damage anywhere.

Following are the early signs of termites on the roof:

1. Cracks in the Roof

Termites produce moisture while feeding on the wood, which can seep into the surrounding materials such as paint or drywall.

As a result, the paint or wood of the roof can start to crack or peel off.

If you observe paint damage on your roof without any apparent reason, it’s worth investigating further for potential infestation.

2. Sagging and Discolored Roof

Termites can infest the wooden components in the roof, making them weaker over time.

As a result, your ceiling can start to sag and show signs of discoloration. Such changes in the structure of the roof can be a signal of the termites.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Termites

Termites are pesky pests that are difficult to detect and get rid of.  Eliminating termites from the house needs a systematic approach and also involves professional help.

There are several methods to get rid of termites, including:

• Termite Fumigation

Fumigation is typically used for severe termite infestation. The process involves tenting the entire structure and filling it with the gasses and pesticides that penetrate all areas, effectively terminating the termites throughout the house.

• Essential Oils

Termite infestation can also be successfully treated with essential oils, particularly orange and neem oil. Spray the afflicted areas with a mixture of oils and water. Termites will perish due to the disruption of their central nervous system by these oils.

• Boric Acid

By dehydrating them, termites can be killed by boric spraying infested areas. It’s the oldest technique for removing any insects in your home. Since boric acid is comparatively non-toxic, using it around children and animals is safe.

• Heat Therapy

Termites can be completely removed from drywall using heat treatment, but a specialist must carry it out. Usually, using this technique, experts will target the contaminated building and heat it to 120 °F.

Final Thoughts

In the battle against termites, being vigilant and proactive is essential. By detecting their early signs in the different areas of the house, you can prevent your house from big and costly damage.

Remember, termites are silent invaders whose presence can go unnoticed until it’s too late. But armed with the knowledge and a keen eye, you can become a termite’s detective, identifying the subtle clues they leave behind.

Getting rid of these annoying bugs on your own might be challenging, but AlienWerks Pest Management can assist you in getting rid of any pest from your home. We offer top-notch pest control services and make you live in a pest-free environment.

Whenever you suspect termite activity in your house, call us immediately to conduct a thorough inspection and implement appropriate termite control measures.

Therefore, keep a keen eye, act decisively, and arm yourself with the knowledge to fight against termites. Your house and peace of mind are worth every effort invested.