What is a common sign of termite activity in a structure?

Hollow-sounding wood serves as a common and significant indicator of termite activity within a structure. Termites create galleries by consuming the internal wood fibers, which can lead to a distinctive hollow sound when tapping or knocking on affected wood surfaces. This hollow sound occurs because most of the solid material has been eaten away, leaving behind a shell of thin wood. Homeowners and pest control professionals often use this auditory cue as part of the inspection process to identify potential termite infestations.

In contrast, new paint on walls may simply indicate renovations and is not inherently associated with termite activity. Squeaky floors could result from various factors like settling of the home or spacing issues, rather than termite damage. Likewise, the smell of fresh wood might be an appealing characteristic of newly installed materials but does not reflect any current termite problems. Thus, hollow-sounding wood is a direct sign of prior termite feeding, making it the most relevant choice for identifying termite activity.