If you’ve noticed bubbling paint or small holes in your walls, you might ask: do termites eat drywall? The answer is yes. Termites consume the paper layer on drywall, and untreated infestations can spread quickly, causing serious damage. In Florida’s warm, humid climate, termites remain active year-round. Drywall provides both food and a pathway to wooden framing. Here’s how to spot the signs, understand the risks, and protect your home.
Key Takeaways
• Termites eat the cellulose in drywall paper and use it to reach deeper wood.
• Subterranean and drywood termites are the main culprits.
• Warning signs include bubbling paint, pinholes, mud tubes, and frass (termite droppings).
• Professional treatment is required to remove colonies completely.
• Routine inspections and prevention help avoid future infestations.
Why Termites Target Drywall
Drywall, or gypsum board, contains a paper facing made of cellulose—a key food source for termites. They chew through drywall to reach interior wooden structures like studs and beams. While drywall itself doesn’t support colonies long-term, it helps termites spread into other areas of the home.
Common Termite Species in Florida
Subterranean Termites: These pests build colonies underground and travel through mud tubes to maintain moisture while feeding on wood and drywall. Florida’s Formosan subterranean termites are especially destructive and can consume large amounts of wood rapidly.
Drywood Termites: Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites live inside dry wood and drywall without contact with soil. They create small exit holes and leave frass—tiny pellets resembling sawdust—near windows, baseboards, or furniture.
Signs of Termite Damage in Drywall
Recognizing termite activity early can prevent major repairs. Watch for:
Paint bubbles or peeling: Termites damage the paper backing, trapping moisture that makes paint blister.
Tiny holes: Termites create small perforations as they tunnel and push out waste.
Mud tubes: Subterranean termites form thin, earthen tunnels on foundations or walls.
Frass: Drywood termites leave piles of granular pellets near trim or baseboards.
Hollow sounds: Tapping the wall may produce an echo if termites have eaten inside.
Surface flaking or cracks: Damaged drywall can loosen or crumble.
Discarded wings: Swarming termites shed wings near windows or light fixtures.
Sagging or uneven walls: Indicates deeper structural weakening from long-term infestation.
How Termites Get Into Drywall
Subterranean termites enter through soil contact, foundation cracks, or utility openings. Drywood termites can enter through vents, roof gaps, or infested furniture. High humidity, leaks, or poor airflow increase the likelihood of infestation by creating favorable conditions.
Removing Termites from Drywall
Quick, professional action is crucial.
DIY limits: Store sprays or foams may kill visible pests but won’t reach the colony.
Professional methods include:
Detailed inspection: Identifies termite species and extent of damage.
Soil treatments: Create a chemical barrier to block subterranean termites.
Bait stations: Deliver slow-acting insecticide throughout colonies.
Localized injections: Treat drywood infestations in wall voids without full tenting.
At On Demand Pest Control, we customize termite treatments for South Florida homes based on infestation type and structure design.
Importance of Regular Inspections
Florida’s conditions support termite activity year-round. Annual or biannual inspections detect early signs before major damage occurs. Homes with prior infestations benefit from quarterly checks to ensure long-term protection.
Preventing Termite Damage in Drywall
Combine professional service with smart maintenance:
Fix leaks and improve ventilation to reduce moisture.
Keep wood and mulch away from the home’s foundation.
Seal cracks, gaps, and utility openings.
Use termite-resistant materials during renovations.
Maintain a yearly termite inspection schedule.
When to Call a Professional
If you see paint bubbles, mud tubes, or small holes, act immediately. On Demand Pest Control serves homeowners across South Florida—including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers—offering termite inspections, treatments, and prevention plans.
Final Thoughts
Termites do eat drywall, using it as both a food source and a gateway to your home’s structure. Early detection and professional treatment are essential to prevent expensive repairs. If you suspect termite damage, contact On Demand Pest Control for a full inspection and custom protection plan.