What visual cue might indicate a potential termite infestation?

A hollow-sounding wood when tapped is a significant indicator of a potential termite infestation. Termites consume wood from the inside out, which means that the structural integrity of the wood may be compromised while the outer layer remains intact. When you tap on the wood and it sounds hollow, this suggests that termites may have tunneled through the interior, creating empty spaces. This sound can serve as a warning sign for homeowners or pest control professionals to investigate further for signs of termite activity.

Other visual cues such as dark spots on walls, visible holes in wood, or the presence of live insects are also important but may not always indicate a termite problem specifically. Dark spots could be due to water damage or mold, visible holes might result from various wood-boring insects, and the presence of live insects does not necessarily mean they are termites since other species may inhabit similar environments. Therefore, the hollow sound is a more definitive indicator of a termite issue, prompting a need for further inspection.