Termites are destructive social insects that are responsible for billions of dollars of property damage to homes across America each year. Subterranean termites are the most common termites in North America and are responsible for 95% of damage caused by termites in the United States annually. Subterranean termites can be identified by the distinctive highways of mud tubes running up the foundation and walls of the home. Mud tubes don’t necessarily indicate the termites are active, but at best, they are a tell-tale sign that your property has been the victim of a recent attack. If you notice thin mud tubes around your property, contact the Knock Em Out Pest Control experts for a termite inspection and a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why Do Subterranean Termites Build Mud Tubes?
Mud tubes contain wood particles, soil, organic matter, and termite saliva. The termite saliva acts as a binding agent to form and hold the pipes together. Mud tubes are often referred to as termite shelter tubes or termite tunnels. The termites use them to locate food above the ground. The length of the tubes can vary depending on how far the termite colony is from the food source. Mud tubes can be found on many of your property’s surfaces, including subfloors, foundations, walls, and ceilings. That being said, termites are more than capable of building mud tubes in other locations; termite workers are known to build pillars of mud tubes called drop tubes that look like stalagmites to dirt floors to connect structures above them. These superhighways allow termites to easily transit back and forth from the colony to the food source.
Why are Termite Mud Tubes So Important to Termites?
Mud tubes protect termites from the elements, including rain, light, and temperature fluctuations, and natural predators, including many species of ants, one of the most significant predators of subterranean termites; other predators include wasps, cockroaches, and spiders. Termites enjoy feasting on items made from cellulose, including wood, cardboard, and paper. Mud tubes allow termites to navigate surfaces like brick and concrete easily. Mud tubes can appear random, running off in multiple directions without rhythm or reason; termites use these exploratory tubes to find food. Working tubes, on the other hand, are much larger and used to transport termites and food to the nest.
Why Should I Not Destroy or Remove Termite Mud Tubes?
If you find mud tubes on the property, you may be tempted to remove them. Resist the temptations and contact your Knock Em Out Pest Control expert. Destroying the mud tubes will not affect the nest, and the termites will quickly build new mud tunnels to replace the damaged ones. Over-the-counter household pest control products can be toxic to pets and wildlife and ineffective in eradicating subterranean termites. Your Knock Em Out Pest Control technician has the certification, tools, chemicals, and experience to treat your property effectively. Termites can create significant structural damage and must be treated immediately. Your Knock Em Out Pest Control expert will customize a termite plan for your home to treat the entire perimeter, including providing a protective barrier to protect your home from termites and future invasions.
Termite Inspections & Treatment
To learn more about comprehensive termite inspections, protection, and treatment for your Greater Lansing, MI home, contact the experts at Knock Em Down Pest Control today.
