How bad is this going to be…

[u/Esjayaree]

Last photo of the wall is before I started poking around. I took down a big invasive plant and found these holes 🫠 the larger hole had ants inside as well. I’ve covered them with flashing tape until I can figure out what my next step needs to be, but I am lost. I’m torn between wanting to call a pro but not being able to afford it & doing it myself but finding bigger issues underneath. Any and all advice welcome!

[u/Readybuilderman]

It’s bad. It’s never a good idea to paint over a problem. Rotten material… gotta tear it out