Termite and Wood Boring Insects - Something is eating the paper off the sheetrock??

First I saw a little blackish spot on the laundry interior wall and wiped it off. Next day it was back and I realized it was something coming thru small hole. I wiped and found a little (about 1/4 inch grub) in frass (bug poop). We opened the area up and also removed wood above door. What we found was lots of frass and the paper had been eaten off the sheetrock. Could see some little tunnel holes as they went from one side of sheetrock to other side. Looked in attic and at all exposed wood but no damage to the wood. I haven't found another grub and no apparent adults. Does anyone know what this might be? I will call an exterminator but would like advance info please. Fran

I don't know what they are, although I have seen bugs that eat through drywall paper when doing demolition.

I would check for moisture damage behind the wall. Anytime I have seen them it looked as though there was some mold on the back of the wall too.

I would seriously consider having a professional check for termites.

Normally the thermal insulation in walls gets moistured up in some time. Then there is best climate for mold and wood damaging sponge and insects. Such insects can eat - better bite in - paper, because it is cellulose. If they want to come out as insects after being a worm (pardon my poor english - I'm german) they have to doso.

If you only will poison them (and your house!!), the problem of moisturing up is not solved yet. Look for better drying out humidifyied room air, permanent heating without cooling off the walls during night and better thermal insulation by f.e. solid wood boards, which can insulate much better against thermal losses than every lightweight insulation.

Termites> the wood damage is not visible yet take a ice pick and start poking at the wood you will find soft hollow spots they are feasting better get a exterminator quick!