I have just roller painted the ceiling in my house and at one point the roller pulled away the paper on the ceiling and revealead a small hole. I assume the ceiling is made of a plaster board or like with a thin covering of paper

My worry is what has caused the damage We have only been in the house 5 weeks but relatives have lived there for 4 years

They sau a bird got in and nested near there. I hope that is all it was, my concern is that it could be termites but I have no idea how to check

Any advice appreciated

I would guess that the plaster has been weakened by water - the cause of which could have been the bird or a result of the hole which allowed the bird in. Regardless, to cure the problem: Ensure the roof space is sealed from allowing birds in, pay attention to the air flow holes/grill. Cut back the damaged plasterboard until you have a solid/ fresh working angled edge (think plug and sink plug hole). Then cut a section of new plaster board to fill the hole - cut the new piece slightly larger and with a shaped edge to allow a tight fit (you can hold inplace with super-glue) then plaster into place. Better if you have access from above and below. If the hole is less that about 5cm in diameter you could just use a few layers of plaster built up on a simple mesh former in say three or four steps. If you were origianlly painting to cover water-stain damage to the ceiling surface - best to first apply a sealing coat of a oil based paint.

If the damage was termites there woudl be traces and they would be evident in the surounding ceiling area. Is the plaster that came away crumbly like an old damp biscuit.

Any chance of a picture?

HTH

Not much more to add to Mr. Cuban, except don't be afraid to cut a square out, use a box cutter or even a hacksaw blade.

You can also buy a small roll of ceiling tape, it looks like a bandage roll and a small bag of gypsum powder, mix into a paste and apply over the repair. Chances are that the color up there is standard white ceiling paint so you will not even see the repair when it's done and painted over.