Termites in Drywall

Termite Diet

• Many people assume that termites simply feed on wood, but this is not true. Termites eat a material known as cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls. Cellulose is found in many different wood and wood-based products including, but not limited to, wood, paper products, cardboard products and drywall. Though this is their food source, termites are not able to digest the cellulose. Symbiotic protozoa and other microorganisms that are deemed to be friendly inhabitants -- meaning they are beneficial to the termite -- live inside the termites and aid in the digestion of the cellulose, according to the University of Hawaii.

Identification

• A termite colony needs to find ways to get rid of its waste or feces. To do this, the termites tunnel outward from the main colony and push their waste out through the end of the tunnel hole. The waste will appear to be little pellets, which some people may confuse with sawdust. If there are termites in drywall, the tunnels may even be visible in the drywall, as a slight or large indentation that travels along the wall in one or more spots.

Other Signs of Infestation

• Aside from the physical damage, the homeowner may also notice a large number of winged insects appearing, particularly during the months of March, April and May. Winged termites, or swarmers, leave the main colony to start new colonies of their own. Though once inside the home, these swarmers rarely survive outside the original colony, they still indicate that an infestation is present.

Treatment for Termites

• One common treatment option for termites is a bait trap. These traps are installed over or inserted into the infected area, such as over the drywall or underground, as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. These traps typically use a growth inhibitor, which slows the growth of the termites and eventually kills them. These traps are repeatedly filled with the growth inhibitor until no more termites are present. Once the termites have been removed, the drywall and any affected structural elements will need to be replaced.