What Does Termite Damage on Drywall Look Like?

Termites in the wild.

It's important that homeowners check their homes routinely for signs of a termite infestation. Finding dead termites or seeing winged termites near wood is a sure sign you need an exterminator. But you also need to check drywall for termites.

Significance

Visible termite damage on drywall is often a sign of a serious termite infestation that has been growing behind the walls for years.

Features

Look for dirt channels that run up the length of the wall. Termites use these to travel across exterior surfaces.

Identification

Another sign of termites is tiny ripples in the paper surface of the drywall, which they consume just like wood. Often the area will have small holes in the drywall that they use to burrow back towards the nest.

Effects

A termite infestation can jeopardize your home's structural integrity by causing massive damage to any wood that the infestation penetrates.

Expert Insight

Call a reputable contractor immediately if you see signs of termite damage. Termite extermination requires a good knowledge of construction practices, so you need the services of an expert.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Detecting Termites and Their Damage (PDF)