3 Indicators You Have Termite In Your Walls

Termites are terrifyingly expensive. Each year in Southeast Asia alone, these pests are racking up 400 million USD in termite damages or almost 1.8 billion MYR. However, the worst part is that most property owners don’t realise their property has a problem until the damage is severe.

Here’s the thing: because your walls are often the most vulnerable structure, they can give you closure about their activities. If you know what to look for, you can spot the signs of infestation and take action before the damage becomes too much.

Read on as we break down the indicators of termites in your walls and how you can put an end to their activities. 

 

What Makes Walls Irresistible to Termites

For termites, walls offer everything that they need to survive and thrive. Walls provide a direct food source, shelter, and safe passageways for the colony as they munch your property from all sides. 

Malaysian properties are typically built from one of three materials: wood, cement, or drywall. Among the types of termites in the country, subterranean termites and drywood termites are the culprits when it comes to wall infestations.

Wooden Walls

Imagine your favourite meal in the size of a wall—that’s what wooden walls are to termites. Subterranean termites use wooden walls as a tunnel system that lets them crawl through the property and gather food for the colony. 

Drywood termites, however, have a different use case for wooden walls. Not only do these provide a stable food supply, but they are also a safe place to establish a sustainable colony where they can reproduce and expand. 

Cement Walls

At first, termites in cement walls seem impossible, but in reality, these walls are also not immune. Cement walls often have cracks, joints, or gaps and subterranean termites are experts at exploiting these vulnerabilities. 

Once inside, termites use this as convenient passageways to reach and infest other wooden components, such as door frames, skirting boards, and wooden window panels.

Drywall or Plasterboard Walls

Drywall has become a top choice in modern construction thanks to its affordability, versatility, and ease of installation. Commonly found in residential homes, offices, and commercial spaces, drywall is lightweight and functional—but they have a major flaw. 

Because of leaks, poor air circulation, and high humidity, moisture can quickly build up behind plasterboard walls. Subterranean termites exploit these damp conditions to tunnel in and feed, turning an otherwise practical building material into a liability.

3 Indicators of Termite Damage in Walls

Termites are stealthy, but they always leave clues behind. Here are the 3 indicators to help you detect termite activity in your walls before it’s too late.

Visual Marks [h3]

Termites often leave behind physical evidence that can be spotted with careful observation.

• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-thin mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. These are commonly found along walls, baseboards, or foundations. 

• Droppings (Frass): Drywood termites leave behind small, wood-colored pellets called frass. These droppings look similar to sawdust or coffee grounds and can be found near walls, window sills, or door frames. 

2. Audible Clues

Sometimes, you can even hear ongoing termite activities happening inside your wall. Listen closely for these sounds:

• Clicking and Tapping Sounds: Faint clicking noises in your walls may be termites at work. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood to signal danger to the colony. 

• Muffled Noises: Worker termites create a soft noise as they move or feed inside your walls. This is usually noticeable at night.

3. Structural Signs

Since they target your structural integrity, termite activity often affects the appearance of walls.

• Bubbling Paint or Loose Wallpaper: Moisture introduced by termites can cause paint to bubble or peel, while wallpaper may loosen up. These are often mistaken for water damage but can indicate termite activity.

• Hollow Walls: Tapping on walls can reveal termite damage. If the wood sounds or feels fragile, termites may have eaten through the interior, leaving only a thin outer layer intact.

What to do When You See These Signs of Termite Damage in Your Walls

When you spot any signs of termite damage, it’s crucial to act quickly and call in a termite management specialist.

At PestBusters, we combine industry-leading expertise with state-of-the-art tools to identify and eliminate termites effectively. Our goal is to get rid of termites and secure your property for the long term. Here’s why PestBusters stands out:

Comprehensive Techniques

Our team is equipped to tackle infestations caused by Drywood, Subterranean, and Dampwood termites. We use our science-backed knowledge and experience to address the underlying causes to stop termites at their source.

Advanced Tools

Unlike traditional termite control, our team can detect their activity with pinpoint accuracy without the need to puncture your wall. Our tools include:

• Thermal Imaging Scanners: Our team is equipped with advanced tools to detect termites behind walls and structures by detecting their heat signatures. 
• Moisture Meter: We use a specialised tool to measure moisture content inside the wall to identify damp areas that may attract termites.

Expertise You Can Count On

With decades of experience, our certified termite specialists have sharpened their skills to detect subtle hints of termite activity. Such experiences also allowed them to provide tailored solutions and practical insights that can reduce the likelihood of termite infestation. 

Expert Insight: Remove Moisture to Stop Attracting Termites in Your Walls 

One preventive measure we recommend is to reduce moisture in your property. Moisture is a magnet for termites, and an excess amount of it can weaken your walls and make it palatable for these wood-feeding pests. Here’s what you can do:

• Fix Leaky Pipes: Even minor leaks can create moisture pockets inside your walls. It’s best to do the plumbing work once you find a leak. 
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Keep gutters clean and free from blockage to keep water away from your foundation.
• Improve Ventilation: Consider using dehumidifiers in humid areas and promote proper airflow to maintain a dry, uninviting environment.

Not sure where to begin? A professional termite inspection can identify vulnerabilities and catch infestations early, saving you from costly repairs later.

They’re Not Warning Signs, But Demolition in Progress

Termites in walls can go unnoticed for months or even years, leading to expensive consequences. When they strike, you need a partner who can act fast and deliver results.

Contact our termite control specialist today and let us eradicate them from your property.