Termite sounds – noise

Do termites make noises in walls?
What does termite clicking or tapping sound like?
Can you hear termites chewing wood?
Scratching or rustling noise in walls termites?

If you’re hearing unexplained sounds

Not every noise in a home is caused by termites – but if the sound is persistent, coming from timber, or accompanied by other signs like hollow wood or mudding, it’s worth getting professional advice.

Your next step

Speak with a termite specialist to confirm what’s happening and, if needed, talk through the most appropriate way to deal with it.

Getting this right takes experience, patience, and a considered approach – not guesswork or quick fixes.

Speak to a termite specialist

What sounds do termites make?

Termites can produce two distinct types of sounds, both of which may occasionally be noticed by homeowners:

1. Ticking or tapping sounds

This noise is made by soldier termites repeatedly striking their heads against timber when the colony is disturbed. It acts as an alarm signal, warning other termites of danger and triggering defensive behaviour.

2. Crunching or munching sounds

In quiet conditions, active termites feeding inside timber can sometimes be heard chewing. This soft crunching or rustling sound comes from large numbers of termites consuming wood from within, often out of sight.

Watch these two videos to hear these sounds

When termites are disturbed, they can produce an audible tapping or “knocking” sound. In the first video, you’ll hear this clearly. The noise is made by soldier termites striking their heads against the timber, creating a drum-like beat that acts as an alarm signal to warn the colony and trigger evacuation or defence.

The second video shows what happens when termites are directly exposed. Soldier termites rush to the breach to defend it, often attempting to bite and releasing a milky, latex-like substance. At the same time, they continue the head-knocking alarm to alert the rest of the colony.

If it is termites – what should you do

Ok, you are pretty sure you have termites (White Ants). What should you do now?

First – don’t disturb the termites

Don’t disturb them! Don’t be tempted to reach for a can of bug spray and become the exterminator. If you alarm them, by instinct, they’ll flee back to their nest until they feel it’s safe to come back. This means when you call a professional Termite Technician, (and you should) they don’t have the opportunity to identify the type of termite and might not be able to detect them in other areas in your home.