Wood Sounds Hollow? It May Be Termite Damage

Drywood termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin outer shell. The result is wood that feels solid from the outside but is hollow inside. Tapping with a screwdriver handle reveals the difference — solid wood returns a sharp, dense sound; termite-damaged wood sounds hollow or papery.

Common locations for hollow-sounding termite damage: attic beams and rafters, window sills and frames, baseboard and door frames, floor joists (accessed from crawlspace), and fascia boards around the roofline.

The extent of hollow-sounding wood helps determine the right treatment. A single hollow section in a window frame suggests a localized infestation treatable with spot treatment or orange oil. Multiple hollow areas across the attic framing typically indicates widespread infestation requiring fumigation.

Don't probe deeply into hollow-sounding wood before an inspection — some structural members may have lost significant strength and probing can cause additional damage. Note the locations and let your inspector assess.

Hollow-sounding wood requires two responses: treatment to eliminate the termites, and repair to restore structural integrity. Our inspection includes documentation of all damaged wood and a written repair estimate.