A new pest?

[LolaBeltran]

We have lived in our home here for the past 18 years. A few months ago, we started noticing a fine white sand/ salt appearing on the bed clothes. We brush it off and its back again the next day. We live near the beach and are often out walking barefoot, and at first we just thought it might be from our feet. But being more careful has done nothing to solve the problem. We know that it comes from the ceiling seams. Now . . we do have termites and recognize their presence all too well. And we are familiar with powder post beetles But this seems to be a new kind of pest with none of the characteristics of termites or powder post beetles. Anyone have any experience with this? Any suggestions (apart from replacing the entire ceiling which I suspect we may be forced to do.

[Green Nomad]

Maybe the post needs to include what material your ceiling is made from? I know white powder can be related to termites but you have discounted that.

[PeteC]

Termites could be true. Years ago we found them in a store room with no wood present, just cardboard boxes which they happily ate. I think they'll go after anything with any trace of cellulose in it.

[barrys]

Years ago at my house in Paknampran they even attacked a box of books that was stacked on the floor - from the damage it looked like they'd read every page.....

[LolaBeltran]

Sorry for not saying . . .the ceiling is made from a plasterboard, cement type of material. Both sides are some kind of strong paper . . comes in 4 by 8 sheets usually. Now, it may be termites eating the paper material on top and burrowing through to the bottom paper layer to drop bits of plaster material but that wouldnt make much sense . . .and there is zero sign of typical termite tunnels.

[Nereus]

Sorry for not saying . . .the ceiling is made from a plasterboard, cement type of material. Both sides are some kind of strong paper . . comes in 4 by 8 sheets usually. Now, it may be termites eating the paper material on top and burrowing through to the bottom paper layer to drop bits of plaster material but that wouldnt make much sense . . .and there is zero sign of typical termite tunnels.

I guess that it is Gyprock / Plasterboard / or in the US, Drywall that you have?

Given the age of the house, it is possible that the ceiling, and even some walls, may have been painted with on old style of paint that is not compatiable with Gyprock. That can cause the paint to start disolving, some times called "distemper". (not what the dogs get!) Modern types of acrylic paints do not have this problem.

You will not see termite "tunnels" as they are not visible until the whole structure falls down!
Termites need moisture and usually have a nest somewhere away from what they are consuming. It is highly unlikely that they are chasing the paper facing of the Gyprock, more so if the framing is of wood. The are also nocturnal and like to stay in the dark.

[PeteC]

How about a few strips of double sided tape up on the ceiling where the dust is coming down, and perhaps get lucky and one of whatever it is will get stuck. Then you'll know.

[bigston]

Have you noticed any particular times or conditions when the dust seems to appear more prominently, like after rain or during certain temperatures?

[LolaBeltran]

It doesnt seem to be subject to weather. The strange thing is that it is a new situation after all these years in this house. We have used masking tape along the seams and that helps with the dust. We have also sprayed Chaindrite where we have seen activity. Doing some more research it seems that it might be drywall termites. . .but I see no mention of "grainy powder" being a sign of this. So still a mystery.