Death-watch beetle is usually active from around Easter (mid-April) through to the summer (July/August) and then it will be less active until September/October.
This is a very rare video clip (only 7 seconds – turn your volume up!) of the sound made by a death-watch beetle..:
Credit for this video goes to Steve Edwards.
Update April 2025
Here is another video clip. Credit goes to a local homeowner.
It is very subtle. Play using EarPods or headphones, and turn the volume up!
The death watch beetle sound is at 5 – 15 seconds and then again at 26 – 34 seconds. It is louder the second time.
the sound of death watch beetle
If you think you have live death watch beetle in your property, please contact me for an informal free discussion duncan@listedbuildingsurveys.co.uk