# How to Detect Old Termite Damage Inside Walls
Termite damage to beams and wooden walls may not be obvious, since the surface of the walls conceal the insect damage within. Indoor swarming behavior can indicate an active infestation, but evidence of older damage can be more difficult to detect. Before calling a home inspector, you can examine suspect walls yourself for evidence of past termite infestations.
Instructions
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1
Look for trails of mud tubes, about as thick as a pencil's diameter, on ceilings, foundation walls or floor joists. Termites build these tubes for traveling purposes and to provide shelter.
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Tap on the suspect wood. Damaged wood will emit a hollow sound.
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3
Penetrate the suspect wood with a screwdriver. Damaged wood will give in to the tool. Inspect the inside of the wood for irregular tunnels of mud tubes, a definite sign of termites.
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Examine the surface of the suspect wood, if possible. Termite-damaged wood may have a thin, grayish film.
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