Imagine sitting in the quiet of your home when suddenly, you pick up on a subtle, unfamiliar sound. It's not the usual creaks of the house settling, nor is it the wind whistling through the cracks. This sound is something you might not immediately recognize: the sound of termites. Recognizing what termites sound like is crucial for homeowners, as it can be one of the first signs of a hidden infestation that, if left unchecked, could cause significant damage to your property.

So, do termites make noise? Termites are often silent pests, but when you do hear them, they can produce a soft clicking or rustling sound as they chew through wood or communicate within their colonies. This sound is subtle and can easily be drowned out by the everyday sounds of a busy household. Understanding and identifying distinct termite sounds can be the key to early detection, potentially saving you from extensive repairs and the hassle of dealing with a full-blown termite invasion.



How termites make noise

Termites make noise primarily through a process called head-banging, where they rapidly tap their heads against the walls of their tunnels. This action is a form of communication among the colony members, signaling danger or alerting others to threats. The science behind the termite sounds they produce lies in the vibration these actions create, which is transmitted through the solid structures of their nests and can be detected by other termites.

The reason termites might make different sounds is related to the context in which they are communicating. For instance, the frequency or rhythm of the head-banging can vary depending on whether they are alerting others to the presence of a predator or coordinating building efforts within the colony. As for the different types of termite sounds, beyond the variations in head-banging, termites can also produce clicking sounds through mandible clicking, another form of communication that might indicate social interactions or be used as a defense mechanism.

termite tunnels

Can you hear termites in the wall?

Yes, it's possible to hear signs of termites within the walls of your home, although their sounds are often very subtle and may not be easily distinguished by everyone. Termite sounds are not particularly loud when compared to everyday noises within a household. When termites make noise, such as soft clicking or rustling, as they chew through wood or communicate with each other, it can sometimes be detected by the human ear, especially in quiet conditions. A faint rustling or clicking sound might be heard if an infestation is large and active. Additionally, when you tap on your walls and listen closely, a hollow sound in areas where there should be solid wood could indicate termite damage.


What should you do if you hear termites?

Now that you know what termites sound like, it's important to take action if you hear these termite sounds in your home. While termites themselves do not pose a direct threat to human health, the structural damage they can cause might lead to unsafe conditions in your home and costly repairs. Attempting to tackle a termite infestation on your own can be ineffective and may even exacerbate the problem.

If you suspect termites have invaded your home ‐ it's time to call Terminix. Our technicians have the expertise and experience to tackle termites. Schedule a free termite inspection today.