Why do holes keep appearing in my walls?

Author: Maude Heaney V  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

If there is a leak or moisture buildup in your walls, it can weaken the structure and lead to the formation of holes. Additionally, pests such as rodents or insects can also create holes in wall by burrowing into the drywall.

Why are there random holes in my walls?

  • Pest Infestation: Rodents, insects, or other pests may create holes as they enter or exit your home.
  • Moisture Issues: Water damage or mold can weaken the wall structure, leading to holes or crumbling.
  • Structural Damage: The foundation may be settling or shifting, causing cracks and holes to form.

What bug makes holes in the walls?

The Usual Suspects: Common Wall-Dwelling Pests
  • Termites: Termites are notorious for causing structural damage as they chew through wood. ...
  • Carpenter Ants: These ants love to burrow into wood to create their nests, especially in damp areas.

What causes pinholes in a wall?

Pin-holes through trapped air below the membrane

If one applies a polyurea or polyurethane membrane, using spraying equipment, directly onto an untreated or inadequately prepared surface, one is bound to end up with air trapped under the membrane.

Do termites pin holes in the wall?

Termites leave pinholes that serve a primary function of exiting drywalls and other wooden structures. They are, fundamentally, exit or kick holes that allow adult termites to leave the tunnels before the onset of a mating period for reproduction.

How To Fix Loose Or Damaged Drywall Anchors Like New! | DIY Wall Plug Repair!

What causes small holes in drywall?

Holes in drywall can be caused by pests like termites or improper installation of things like televisions or picture frames. Fortunately, you can easily fix these using paper joint tape and a small amount of mud or drywall compound.

What bug bores holes in drywall?

Sometimes termites make small holes in the drywall paper. Subterranean termites use soil to fill these holes, drywood termites do not. If you notice small pin-sized holes in sheetrock (also spelled sheet rock) or wallpaper, schedule a termite inspection before moving forward with any repairs.

What do mouse holes look like in walls?

Inside, mice will chew through the walls, ceiling tiles, and baseboards, creating small, dime-sized holes with even edges.

What do termites look like on a wall?

Look for signs of termites, such as discarded wings near entry points, mud tubes on walls, hollow-sounding wood, frass, and visible wood damage, and identify termites by their color, from creamy white workers to dark brown or black swarmers.

What is living in my walls?

Some of the animals that could be in your walls include rats, mice, squirrels, and chipmunks. Though not technically rodents, bats are also a frequent home pest problem.

What do weep holes look like?

Weep holes in brick look more like places where the brick mortar appears to be missing in between two bricks. The vertical line of mortar will strategically not be there where two bricks meet. The mortar is not missing, it's not there on purpose and leaves an opening in the wall structure.

What are the mysterious holes in drywall?

Causes of Holes in the Wall

Small holes in drywall can be caused by screws, nails, pushpins, and other fasteners that are commonly used to hang wall art or secure decor, furniture, or wall mounts.

Why are small holes appearing in my ceiling?

Termites in Ceiling

Termites that are living in and feeding on your walls or ceilings often break through the drywall or wood, and drywood termites even create holes, known as “kickout holes” through which they dispose of their fecal matter and force out waste.

Are there bugs inside walls?

The hollow spaces in your walls are perfect for cockroaches, ladybugs, boxelder bugs, and a whole host of other bugs and animals. But what you can't see can hurt you, your family, your pets, your home, and your belongings.

How to block up holes to stop mice?

Seal any holes you find to stop rodents from entering. Fill small holes with steel wool. Put caulk around the steel wool to keep it in place or use spray foam. Use lath screen or metal, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting to fix larger holes.

What does a rat hole in a wall look like?

These burrows are usually round or slightly oval, and their entrances are often clear of debris and spider webs which indicates regular use by rats that are actively inhabiting the burrow. Rat burrows are commonly found along walls, sidewalk edges, or in the soft, fertile soil of gardens.

How do you tell if you have mice in your walls?

You may hear mice scurrying around inside your walls and ceiling. Mice are especially active at night, so if you hear squeaking, skittering, or gnawing noises coming from inside the walls at bedtime, this could be a sure sign that mice have taken up residence.

Why are there random holes in my wall?

If there is a leak or moisture buildup in your walls, it can weaken the structure and lead to the formation of holes. Additionally, pests such as rodents or insects can also create holes in wall by burrowing into the drywall.

How to get rid of wall bugs?

The definitive solution to eliminate bugs is to remove the moisture from the walls of the houses they inhabit. The first sign that our system is drying out the walls is the disappearance of the bugs scurrying along the walls and floors.

What do termite bore holes look like?

What Do Termite Holes Look Like? Termite exit holes are round holes that are 1/8 of an inch or smaller. The holes are sealed by nymph termites after the swarming termites (alates) have left the nest. Nymphs use a brown, cement-like material made out of feces to plug termite holes.

How to prevent holes in drywall?

Prevention: Protective measures like installing door stoppers can prevent doorknob-sized holes in your drywall. For high-traffic areas or rooms prone to rough play, consider using a tougher material like plywood or beadboard wainscoting along the lower part of the walls.

What causes pinholes?

There are three common causes of pinholes: flex cracking, abrasion, and straight-line puncture. Each result from exposure to a particular type of stress.

Can mice make holes in drywall?

An obvious indicator of mice setting up camp in your home is small, rough holes. Mice are capable of chewing through all kinds of materials—drywall, wood, even plumbing pipes.

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