If you’ve ever been repairing or remodeling your home, then you know that drywall is one of the most common materials used. But what happens when pests decide to make your drywall their new home? Likewise, if you’ve ever dealt with drywall bugs, you know how frustrating and nasty they can be. But what are these pests, and what can you do to eliminate them?
What Are Drywalls, And What Bugs Live In Them?
Drywalls are common wall materials used in most homes. Cellulose and gypsum are the main materials making up drywall. Other materials are starch, fiberglass, and paper.
When you hear drywall pests, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is termites. However, other pests can infest your drywall and cause extensive damage. These include carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and cockroaches.
Termites: As mentioned earlier, termites are one of the most common pests that infest drywalls. Termites feed on cellulose, one of the main materials making up drywalls. As a result, these pests can cause extensive damage to your drywall and home. In fact, research shows that termites cause over 5 billion dollars in damage to homes in the United States every year.
Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants are another type of drywall bug you should be aware of. If drywall in your home is moist, it can be an ideal breeding ground for carpenter ants. These ants burrow into the drywall and create galleries and tunnels. Over time, this can cause the drywall to weaken and collapse.
Powderpost beetles: Powderpost beetles are small insects that feed on wood. These pests can infest both softwoods and hardwoods. If you have powderpost beetles in your drywall, they will bore small holes into the wood and lay their eggs inside. The larvae will then hatch and start feeding on the wood, causing damage.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are also one of the most common pests in homes. If you have a cockroach infestation, they will likely infest your drywall. Cockroaches like to hide in dark and moist areas, making drywalls an ideal hiding spot. Not only are cockroaches a nuisance, but they can also spread diseases.
What Are The Reasons Why Bugs Infest Drywalls?
There are several reasons why pests may decide to infest your drywall. One of the main reasons is that drywall provides an ideal environment for them to live in. Drywall is usually made of cellulose, which is a type of food that many pests like to eat. In addition, drywall usually provides a dark and moist environment that many pests prefer.
Also, another reason why pests may infest your drywall is because of the construction process. If the drywall is not installed properly, it can create gaps and cracks that pests can use to get inside.
How To Know If You Have A Drywall Bug Problem?
There are several signs that you can look for to see if you have a drywall bug problem. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of bugs themselves. If you see bugs crawling around your home, they’re likely living in your drywall.
Another sign of a drywall bug problem is small holes in your drywall. These holes are usually made by the pests so that they can get inside. In addition, you may also see tunnels or galleries created by the pests. These are usually found on the surface of the drywall or behind it.
If you have a drywall bug problem, you may also notice damage to your drywall. This can include crumbling, holes, or even total collapse.
In addition, you may also notice a musty smell coming from your drywall. The pest’s feces or urine usually causes this.
Forterra Pest Control claims that termites make noise. So,noise coming from your drywall is another sign of bug problems. The pests may make scratching or scurrying sounds as they move around inside the drywall.
If you notice any of these signs, you must call a pest control professional immediately. They will be able to identify the type of pests infesting your drywall and determine the best course of action to get rid of them.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Drywall Bugs?
You can do several things to prevent pests from infesting your drywall. One of the best things you can do is ensure that the drywall is installed properly. This means sealing gaps or cracks so pests can’t get inside.
In addition, you should also inspect your drywall regularly for any signs of pests. If you see any holes or damage, you should immediately call a pest control professional.
Applying a sealant and pesticide to your drywall can also help to prevent pests from infesting it. This will create a barrier that pests will have difficulty getting through.
Finally, calling a professional when you first notice signs of pests is the best way to prevent an infestation from getting worse. If you wait too long, the pests will have time to multiply and cause even more damage.
Conclusion:
Drywall can be an essential part of your home, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with it. Because drywall provides an ideal environment for pests, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. If you find that you have a drywall bug problem, it’s important to call a professional immediately so that they can get rid of the pests and repair any damage they’ve caused.