Do Termites Make Mud Nests?
Termites make mud tubes or tunnels to get to their food sources. These tunnels are constructed out of a combination of soil, saliva and feces. They are used to move to and from the underground colony. They also help retain moisture and keep termites from drying out.
Termite mud tubes are commonly found around the foundation walls of a home. Typically, they are located on the shady side of a structure. If these tubes are infested, you may have a problem with structural damage to your home in the future.
Termite mud tubes will look like a straight line of dirt, but they are actually made up of pieces of wood and soil. They will break easily when touched. They are often located in crawl spaces or around concrete or stone foundations.
There are two types of termite mud tubes: exploratory and working. An exploratory tube is used to search for food, while a working tube is more long-lasting. An exploratory tube is easy to see and can extend to 15 feet or more.
If you see a termite mud tube, check to see if it is damaged. If the termite colony has broken a section of the tube, they will rebuild it. It is important to inspect the entire structure of the foundation to determine if the termites are active. If the termite colony has been killed, they will not be able to build new mud tubes.
Termite mud tubes help protect termites from predators and help them survive in the damp environment below ground. They are also a good way to get to the wood in your home.