Glendale Termite Elimination: What Are Termite Mud Tubes?

As the experts on the topic of Glendale termite elimination, we hear a lot of questions. Recently, Thomas from Glendale asked us a common question: “What are termite mud tubes?”

Thomas mentioned that he had been in his garage when he noticed what looked like lines of mud running from the wall to the floor. He was perplexed and started talking to his neighbor about it. His neighbor knew exactly what Thomas was talking about. In fact, he’d seen the same thing a few years back. That’s when Thomas realized that he’d discovered termite mud tubes.

What Mud Tubes Mean

Termites are commonly nicknamed “silent destroyers.” This is because they enter your home almost undetected, then chew away at the wooden framework, sometimes for years on end.

A colony of termites will eat wood finishes, decks, and even old books at a rate of 13 pounds of wood per year. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is! But you may not see that damage initially.

Once you see mud tubes, you know you have a termite problem. Mud tubes are the result of subterranean termites, the kind we see most often in Arizona. The termites burrow and tunnel their way into your home from below ground in search of wood to eat. As they head to their targets, a mud-like tube forms above the termite “highway.” These tubes protect termites from dangerous sunlight and predators.

Mud tubes contain very little mud. They are a combination of termite feces, saliva, and soil, and if you’re inclined to touch the mud tubes, be sure to wear gloves.

Are You in Need of Glendale Termite Elimination?

Is it possible to have mud tubes and not have termites? Technically, yes. But that’s only if the termites were eliminated and the pest-control company didn’t remove the tubes. Most of the time, finding tubes means finding termites. And that means calling in the Glendale termite elimination experts at Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination.

You can look for mud tubes yourself with not too much effort. All you’ll need is the ability to see and perhaps a flashlight. Remember that termites like to hide to avoid sunshine and predators, so you’re going on a hunt.

Look in darker areas, such as the garage where Thomas found his. Mud tubes can also be found under windows and along seams of walls. Be sure to look both inside and outside of the home.

To see if your mud tubes are active or leftover from incomplete termite elimination, grab your gloves first. Then break apart of the tube. Watch for a few minutes to see if there is any activity. If you don’t see anything, check for a replacement of the missing tube daily.

Even if the tunnel has not been fixed, that doesn’t mean you do not have a termite problem. The termites might have found a better route to your home, leaving that tunnel vacant.

If you spot any termite mud tubes around your Glendale home, you should call the Glendale termite elimination professionals at Budget Brothers as soon as possible. We have the know-how to identify active mud tubes and to know if you have a bigger problem.

Termites are not to be taken likely. They cause millions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Don’t let yours be the next statistic.

Instead, call Budget Brothers at 602-253-2495 or contact us today. We’ll help you eliminate termites for good.