We’ll discuss termite damage that has to do with tiny pinholes on drywalls. While it doesn’t automatically translate to a termite problem, it raises the likelihood of termites harboring around.
If you’ve experienced a termite problem in the past or currently do, one common thing with such damage is the appearance of several tell-tale signs.
Such include mud tubes, cracked paint or plaster on walls, noticeable ceiling or floor damage, and swarms of flying insects.
Other signs include discarded wings, hollow or blistering wood, quiet clicking sounds, and tight-fitting doors and windows which are hard to open.
Termite Damage Drywall – Why Pin Holes?
Whenever you find termite pinholes in drywall, understand that these are exit points through which feces are ejected and allow these pests to leave the tunnels.
Other explanations for termite pinholes explain their creation as ventilation points.
There’s no logical justification for these openings acting as points of ventilation because termites have air conditioning systems.
Whatever the case, pinholes, though destructive, offer termites an entrance or exit to leave when ready while also dumping out their feces.
What to Do with Termite Pinholes in Drywalls
Homeowners are likely to get confused about what to do when they come across a termite pinhole.
The common instinct for many is to have such holes filled up to prevent escape for termites, hence subduing them. However, this action does little to solve the problem as termites can create alternative exit holes.
Covering a termite pinhole might only succeed in keeping them out of sight for the short term. However, they find a way to overcome the obstacle created and thrive.
By covering a termite pinhole, you’re making the problem worse. It’s best to adopt a more comprehensive approach to treatment.
There are times when termite pinholes may be a sign of past activity. In other words, termites are no longer active within the area.
Here, covering these pinholes can be a great way to improve the look of your drywall.
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Contact the Pros
Termite pinholes are clear signs of underlying termite activity, and there’s little you can do on your own to fix the problem. You’re better off calling the pros to look at the situation and offer far-reaching solutions.
These technicians are trained and experienced.
They understand termite behavior and know where to look and how best to apply treatments to get the most results. You might be advised to invest in a termite contract that offers scheduled inspections and treatments for termite-related issues.
What more? Termite contracts also cover damage repairs. It’s a cost-effective way to address termite issues like pinholes on drywalls.
Point the way and allow the pros to handle the job comprehensively. With professional intervention, you’re unlikely to have recurrent termite issues such as this.
Confirm that you have a Termite Problem
As stated earlier, termites aren’t entirely responsible for pinholes in drywall, as there are multiple reasons why such may appear.
While termites may be the main culprits, other reasons include the presence of bugs such as powder post beetles, wood wasps, and trapped air bubble issues.
Here, it’s evident that further confirmations need to be made to determine termite presence. Such confirmation requires checking for other tell-tale signs such as tube-like tunnels and flaying wall paints.
More confirmation signs include an empty hollow sound when drywall is tapped and cracks on wall baseboards.
A close look will also reveal frass, wall dirt, and window and door frames loosening. The appearance of one or more of these signs and pinholes on drywalls makes it more likely you have a termite problem.
Let’s further explain each of these symptoms as follows;
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Tube-Like Tunnels
One unmistakable sign of ongoing termite damage on drywall is the presence of tube-like tunnels. This helps termites maintain an ideal work environment.
Termites build such tunnels to connect their colony with a food source. Now, your drywall is rich in cellulose which termites find irresistible.
So, when tube-like structures are spotted on drywall coupled with pinholes, it’s a clear sign of ongoing termite activity within your drywall.
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Flaying Wall Paints
Apart from showing pinholes, termite-infested drywalls are likely to have flaying paints.
This is similar to symptoms of water seepage in that your drywall looks like it has soaked in a significant amount of water.
Flaying paints are preceded by chunks of bubbles on the wall surface.
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Empty Hollow Sounds When Drywall is Tapped
Another sign that confirms termite presence in drywall is the empty hollow sound the drywall makes when tapped.
It simply means termite activity is progressing and feeding on drywall from the inside out. This condition, combined with the appearance of pinholes and other signs, requires urgent action on your part.
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Cracks on Wall Baseboards
When termites attack, they move from the ground up. This means they’ll chew through your foundation to the baseboard and the drywall.
One evident sign of this destructive activity is the appearance of cracks on baseboards. This can be confirmed by tapping on the baseboard, which produces a hollow sound.
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Frass and Wall Dirt
The termite pinholes you find in drywalls are exit points for the disposal of waste or feces. Also known as frass or termite dust, these are seen scattered directly below affected areas.
In terms of appearance, termite dust looks much similar to sawdust. You’ll have to look for these affected points carefully to find them.
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Loosening Window & Door Frames
As always, termites cause a general drywall deterioration, with doors and window frames losing their grip on walls. The resulting problem won’t be easily explained when termite presence isn’t quickly noticed.
If you notice this sign coupled with termite pinholes on drywalls, it’s high time for termite treatments to begin.
Termite pinholes in drywalls are clear signs of their presence and activity. This can be confirmed by multiple signs, such as those mentioned above.
You’ll have to call for comprehensive termite extermination to address the problem.