Drywall is a very accessible and very easy to install material. However, because it is made out of materials that contain cellulose, it can actually be a draw for termites and a target for infestation.
Signs that you have termites in your drywall
It may take some time before termite damage becomes visible on the drywall, because termites will often start consuming wood at its center, before spreading out towards the edge. However, since drywall is fairly thin, the tunnels may become visible earlier on. When these tunnels are close to the surface, they will resemble “trails” on the surface of the drywall.
You may also notice small holes when drywood termites infest the drywall. These holes are used to evacuate waste from the colony, and below them, you may notice something known as frass, which will resemble sawdust. A pro can also use specialized devices to detect the presence of termites, including infrared scanners and acoustic devices.
How are infestations inside the drywall stopped
The control procedure used to stop the infestation will depend on the species responsible and the extent of the infestation. It’s likely that segments of the drywall will have to be removed and destroyed, but if the infestation is contained within just the drywall, this is pretty good news, because it eliminates the need to use other methods.
If the infestation has spread beyond the drywall, certain treatment methods will need to be used. For example, if you are dealing with a small drywood termite infestation, the infested wood will need to be treated with insecticides. If the infestation is large however, then the entire home will need to be fumigated.
In other situations, you may be dealing with a subterranean termite infestation, which will require a chemical barrier in order to be removed. The barrier is basically termiticide that is injected in the ground surrounding the home, and this barrier will cut off contact between the termites in the home and their main colony, effectively killing them and stopping new termites from coming into the building. The treatment used will be determined after an inspection has been conducted and the species responsible for the infestation has been identified.
Getting in touch with a pest control pro
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation in your drywall, it’s best to call over a pest control pro right away. Contact us today and we will set up an appointment.
