Subterranean termites connect their colonies in the soil underground to their above-ground food sources via mud tubes. These tubes are made from soil and wood combined with termite saliva.
Subterranean termites require moisture to survive and are vulnerable to dehydration. Subterranean termite tubes offer shelter that locks in moisture, and protects the termites from dry air and predators.
What Do Termite Mud Tubes Look Like?
Subterranean termite tubes are 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter. They can be noticed easily when present along exterior concrete walls or a home’s foundation. However, subterranean termite tubes also may be hidden in typically inaccessible places, such as inside walls, crawlspaces, cracks in the foundation or behind baseboards.
Termite Tube in a Window Screen:
Termite Tube on Plywood:
