Purchased and older home 8 months ago, built in 1959. I noticed a very large crack recently in some old paint, about 10” long. As I started pulling it away from the wall, the paper is no longer attached to the gypsum. There are many holes in it, could termites have done this and why is it only in a 2’ section? In the area I see no signs of live insects of any kind. The surface looks like a flat Canyon (won’t let me upload image). Could it be an old issue since the pest report came back clean?
Best Answer
Yes - termites will do that. They will go anywhere there is moisture, and eat any cellulose products along the way. They will tunnel through Sheetrock and plaster. They will even eat the paper under the paint, and tunnel through the paint, to any wooden furniture or cardboard boxes, etc, against the wall.
If the moisture issue has been corrected, and/or the house treated, then they have most likely vacated or died. That doesn't mean that they won't come back though - usually entire neighborhoods are infested, and they are managed, but never completely eradicated.