9 Signs of Termites in Your Drywall

Drywall might seem like a solid, safe part of your home, but to termites, it’s a buffet. The paper backing on drywall is full of cellulose, which termites love to munch on. Unfortunately, they don’t always leave obvious clues behind to their presence, at least not right away. Look for these nine signs of termites in your drywall.

Common Signs of Termites in Drywall

Here are some telltale signs that termites have taken up residence in your drywall.

1. Tiny Pinholes

If you notice little holes in your drywall, especially near baseboards or corners, those could be termite exit points. Subterranean termites sometimes patch them with mud, while drywood termites might leave them open or plug them with frass (termite excrement and debris). Either way, small unexplained holes in drywall are a red flag.

2. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build these narrow mud tunnels or tubes (think pencil-width) to travel safely between their nest and their food source, AKA your drywall. You might spot them on walls, ceilings, or even outside along the foundation. If you see mud tubes, it’s time to take action.

3. Bubbling or Peeling Paint

If your paint suddenly starts bubbling, peeling, or looking warped, termites might be to blame. As they chew through drywall, they often bring moisture along for the ride, which can cause the paint to blister or give the appearance of water damage.

4. Hollow-Sounding Walls

Lightly tap on a section of a wall. If it sounds hollow or papery instead of solid, termites may have eaten through the inside. They often leave just the outer surface intact while tunneling through everything behind it.

5. Sawdust Piles

Termites don’t exactly clean up after themselves. Drywood termites, especially, tend to leave behind frass that looks like fine sawdust or coffee grounds. If you notice it collecting beneath baseboards, windows, or anywhere near drywall, it’s a strong sign you’ve got activity behind the scenes.

6. Discarded Wings

Termites swarm to reproduce, and once they’ve found a place to settle down (like your house), they shed their wings. Finding small piles of wings near windows, doors, or lights usually means you’ve got a colony nearby.

7. Clicking Noises

It’s not your imagination. If you hear faint clicking or tapping coming from your walls, it could be soldier termites alerting the colony. They bang their heads or shake to signal danger. So, if they’re making noise, they’re likely not alone.

8. Sagging or Crumbling Drywall

When termites cause serious damage, drywall can literally start to sag, bulge, or fall apart. If it starts to feel soft or you can poke holes in it with your fingers, you’re dealing with more than just surface damage.

9. Sticking Doors or Windows

If your doors or windows suddenly become hard to open or feel “off,” it might not be a humidity problem. It could be structural damage from termites eating through the framing. Warping like this is a common side effect.

When to Call a Pro for Termites in Drywall

If you’re noticing one or two small signs, like a single wing or some paint bubbling—you might be able to try a DIY approach and monitor things closely. But if you’re seeing multiple signs, especially mud tubes, frass, or hollow walls, it’s time to call in an extermination company in your area.

Licensed pest control companies use specialized tools and treatments that most homeowners just don’t have access to, like foaming termiticides or full-bore baiting systems that wipe out colonies. They can also inspect hidden areas and let you know the severity of your infestation, plus the best treatment option for your situation.

Can You DIY Termite Control?

For very minor infestations, you may have luck with boric acid, orange oil, or setting bait stations, all of which work best on small, localized termite infestations. But DIY usually falls short if the colony is large or hiding deep in your walls.

Most over-the-counter treatments won’t eliminate a large colony. If you really want to stop the damage and avoid another round in a few months, hiring a local termite control pro is worth the investment.

How to Prevent Termites from Getting Into Your Drywall

Prevention is a lot easier (and cheaper) than dealing with a termite infestation. Here’s what helps:

• Keep moisture in check. Termites love damp conditions. Fix leaks fast, and make sure areas like crawl spaces are well-ventilated.

• Don’t let wood touch soil. Make sure decks, trim, and other wood parts of your home are raised or sealed properly.

• Store firewood smart. Keep woodpiles off the ground and away from your foundation.

• Get annual inspections. A routine termite inspection can catch issues early and give you peace of mind.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Termites in Drywall?

The cost depends on the infestation severity, home size, and which removal method is used. For most homeowners, termite treatment costs range between $70 and $1,730, with a national average cost of $620. If you’ve got serious structural damage or need repairs after extermination, costs will only go up from there.

Getting a few quotes from reputable companies in your area is always a smart move, and don’t be afraid to ask about warranties or long-term prevention plans.