What Do Termites Sound Like? A Guide to Different Termite Noises

Ever find yourself putting an ear to the walls or the floors of your house, listening for termites quietly eating through your largest investment? They are the tiny godfathers of stealth. Termites are sneaky… and quiet… and they’d really just rather you didn’t know they’re around Which is why they are often overlooked until they have done a lot of damage… and damage is expensive.

Let’s explore the sounds made by termites, what they sound like, and what to be on the listen for. Knowing the noises of termites might save your home and your wallet.

Can You Hear Termites?

Termites do not make noise such as mice do, not buzzing, like bees.” But they don’t make quiet sounds. These sounds can be difficult to discern unless you are listening carefully or know what you are listening for.

So, let’s examine some of the most common termite noises and what they signify.

Common Termite Sounds to Watch Out For

1. Rattling (A.K.A. Head-Banging)

Soldier termites warn the others of impending danger through the head of their tunnels by banging on the walls with their heads when they sense the danger. This makes a characteristic rattle/vibrating sound in the wood.

2. Clicking and Tapping

Press your ear up against a questionable wall or against some wood furniture and you may hear a faint clicking or tapping noise. This can be done by termites chewing or running around.

3. Flying Termite Vibrations

During the warmer months, winged termites (called alates) swarm in search of new grounds to start colonies. You might not hear them unless they’re nearby, but sometimes their flight adds noise, a whirring, fluttering noise that sounds to some like the buzzing of tiny insects — bees, or flies.

4. Chewing and Rustling

This is a creepy one, the sound of termites munching away.

In complete silence, you may hear what sounds like rustling paper or super soft crunching. That’s the termites, quietly munching through your timber. But for the most part, it’s so subtle you won’t hear it at all.

Professional pest inspectors even use special gadgetry like termite stethoscopes to hear these internal munching sounds.

5. Hollow Wood Tapping

Not exactly a sound of termites, but an indirect evidence of termite damage. If you tap on wood (for instance, a wall, doorframe or skirting board) and it feels and sounds hollow or papery, termites might have burrowed through the inside.

Final Thoughts

Though termites may not be the noisiest household pests, they do make noise — and those noises can help you catch an infestation early. From clicks and rattles, to chewing and wing vibrations, every sound is a story of what could be happening on the other side of your walls.

But remember, if you can hear termites, the situation may already be dire. That’s why it’s so important to get annual checkups and to detect it early.

Don’t Take the Risk Schedule a Termite Service

If you’re hearing strange sounds, see hollow wood or just want peace of mind, experts can help you identify any active wood eating creatures. We’ve been looking after Belmont’s homeowners from Termites (white ants) at Nexus Termite Treatment Belmont. We know just what to watch and listen for.

Think you’re hearing termites? Don’t ignore them. Let us assist you in preparing the proper steps today

Nexus Termite Treatment Belmont offers all pest control services in Belmont and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6275 6512 or visit our website:

https://nexustermitetreatment.com.au/