There was an interesting case while I conducted a termite check last month.

I was responsible for checking every corner of the house, my partner was responsible for checking all the termite bait stations. While checking the study room the client told me “I always hear some loud tick-tock sound in the store room. I am afraid there are termites.” When termites are disturbed or threatened the soldier termites will bang their heads to create an alarm signal.

I followed him to the store room and checked the floor.  The tick-tock sound was loud. I asked the client if that was the sound he mentioned. He said yes. I explained to him that the sound was coming from the dehumidifier timer switch placed near the floor.

After explaining this to the client and realizing the misunderstanding we all smiled.