Detection of Termites

Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites need protection from low humidity, temperature extremes and attack from other insects. This is the reason that they construct mud tubes. These tubes are generally 1/4 to one inch in diameter. Termites travel inside them as they search for wood to feed on. Whereas drywood termites expel wood particles and fecal matter as they feed on wood, subterranean termites mix these substances with sand and soil particles to produce a plaster-like material which they use in the construction of their tunnels.

Mud tubes are a dead giveaway. So at least once a year a thorough inspection is needed to see if any mud tubes are present. Special care should be taken to check the inside and outside of foundations in crawl spaces. Cracks in concrete floors and all the places were pipes go through the slab should be examined. Each of these are ways that termites can enter without being seen.

Four types of tubes or tunnels are constructed by subterranean termites. Working tubes (left) are constructed from nests in the soil to wooden structures; they may travel up concrete or stone foundations. Exploratory and migratory tubes (center) arise from the soil but do not connect to wood structures. Drop tubes (right) extend from wooden structures back to the soil.