When you see scratches, scuffs, holes, or cracks in your Sheetrock®, don’t ignore them. While these issues may appear to only be cosmetic, they can lead to moisture damage and, from there, mold, as well as structural issues. They may also be a sign that you have a pest infestation, as some insects love to burrow and eat through this material. Here are a few of the insects most frequently responsible for drywall damage.

Pesky Pests That Damage Sheetrock

1. Termites

Termites are one of the most common types of insects you’ll find eating away at Sheetrock. While their ultimate aim is to bore through the drywall to get to the wood behind it, they also ingest the drywall materials as they go. Termites can destroy a wall quickly, so act fast if you notice tiny pinholes, bubbling paint, crumbling baseboards, or a hollow sound when you knock on the wall.

2. Powderpost Beetles 

Powderpost beetles also eat through Sheetrock to get to wood. They are particularly problematic, and more destructive than other types of beetles because they like to ingest all kinds of wood, including dead lumber. While these insects do not eat as quickly as termites, they can still do major damage to a wall over time. Call a pest control expert if you start to see small holes surrounded by tiny wood shavings.

3. Wood Wasps

Small holes in your sheetrock could also be an indication that you have wood wasps. They use the lumber to lay their eggs. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae can spend years working their way through the wood until they reach the Sheetrock. Because of this, the wood wasps themselves are not very destructive—rather, it’s the holes they create that are problematic because they can attract termites and carpenter ants. Call a drywall repair expert to inspect the damage and seal or replace the Sheetrock as needed.

When you’re dealing with drywall damage as a result of pesky pests, contact the experts at Marquez Drywall for fast, affordable, and effective repairs. Based in Thornton, CO, this locally-owned company offers a range of services for both commercial and residential clients, including Sheetrock installation, drywall repair, popcorn ceiling removal, and texture matching. Visit their website for a full list of services or call (720) 257-8864 to speak with a friendly team member today.