Tapping noise from a hard wood piece of furnture?

Question

I have a hand carved hardwood piece of furniture which I bought some 3 years ago. Recently there has been a tapping noise coming from the 'drum' and despite removing drawers and really scrutinising the furniture I cannot see where this could be coming from. No signs of damage or infestation - yuk! Does anyone have any clues? I thought at first it may be the wood contracting but the noise is too regular for that to be the case. Help!!!

Answer 1

Look for little pin holes. If you find any then the wood is probably infested with insects. Take to a professional to have insects exterminated.

The following from a link i found
Deathwatch Beetles
Wood-boring beetles in the family Anobiidae are known as deathwatch beetles. Deathwatch beetles are closely related to the drugstore beetles, which are stored product pests. Adults communicate with each other and probably locate mates by tapping their heads against wood, usually at night. (Deathwatch beetles supposedly acquired their name during medieval European times from people who heard the tapping while sitting up with a sick or dying person during the night.) Deathwatch beetles are found primarily in soft woods, including girders, beams, foundation timbers, and some types of furniture. Some species attack books. This beetle is typically found in old wood and may be associated with wood that is partially decayed

Answer 2

Wow it has to be a vibration coming from somewhere causing the noise. Or you have a mouse playing around with you. I think you should get rid of it. I would be annoyed and freaked out.

Answer 3

remove the piece of furniture from the room and see if the noise continues in that room, or if it follows the furniture. if it follows, do you believe in ghosts?