Pest Control Blog

Getting Rid of Termites and Termite Tubes

Termites are one of the most destructive pests that plague homes and buildings. They silently eat out woods and other structures and often go unnoticed until the damage is severe. A crucial part of their destructive force is mud tubes. But what are these tubes exactly, and how do they contribute to damage and infestation? Why don’t we find out!!!

What is Termite Tubes?
As termites go around destroying structures in your home or building, they intuitively craft a shield that protects them against unforeseen risks. This shield that they build is called a tube. A termite tube is one of the first indications of termite infestation.
Termites construct this tube for several protective and sustainability reasons. For one, the tube serves to keep natural predators at bay. Secondly, it functions as an easy-to-access food conduit in areas where food is scarce. Thirdly, it helps maintain moisture levels in the termites’ immediate environment.
Termites need moisture for optimum survival, hence the need for a moisture-retaining shield. Also, the tube keeps them hidden from predators that might impede their food-sourcing missions. By building tunnels, termites can cleverly outwit manufactured obstacles in their commute. They build and maneuver these tubes in such a way that it avoids direct contact with human objects or obstacles.

Surprisingly, termite tubes are made out of solid stuff. That is, they can stand independently and do not need structural support from solid surfaces like beams or foundations.

What is Termite Tubes Made of?
Termite tubes are composed of wood particles, debris, dirt, saliva, and feces. It is a no-brainer that these tubes are potentially harmful to health, and you shouldn’t touch them with your bare hands.

How Do you Detect Termite Tubes in your Home?
Termite tubes are not inconspicuous. They are easily seen outside or inside homes. But they are generally found outdoors, beneath foundations and other bottom structures. The tubes favor structural foundations as termites use them as a point of entry into your home and as a conduit to other pieces of wood that are part of a wood network.
When you touch or pick up a seemingly strong wood, and it immediately crumbles, it is a tell-tale sign that termites have eaten the wood from the inside out. Once you notice this, it is time for termite extermination!

Should I Remove the Tubes?
Yes, it would be best if you exterminated termite tubes upon detection. But this does not mean you should remove them by yourself. First, these tubes may be contaminated with feces, saliva, and whatnot. And having unprotected contact with contaminated tubes can be detrimental to your health.
However, if the termite tubes appear dry and crumbly, it may mean that the termites are no longer active and have moved on to other areas. But who knows, they could still be within your home. In fact, termites often use dried-out termite tubes to access your home.
On the other hand, a damp tube is most likely filled with active termites. So removing an active tube without the proper equipment may spell danger for you and your home. Removing a singular tube may not be the best termite extermination strategy.

 For all you know, there might be one, two, three, and many other termite tubes lurking in different parts of your building. One single tube almost always indicates a larger termite infestation brewing within the crevices of your abode.
So what should you do when you detect termite tubes in your home or building? We are getting to that!

What to do when you Find Termite Tubes in your Home or Building
When you notice termite tubes in your home, you should call professional termite extermination agents like Fromms Pest Control. The company provides a stress-free and long-lasting termite eradication solution.

You don’t need to get your hands dirty as they handle all the dirt and grime for you. It doesn’t matter if the tubes are moist or not, place a call immediately to the experts before your woods fall apart.
If you must diagnose the situation yourself, use a stick or gloved hands to remove a portion of the tube. However, this will not eradicate the termites as termites can reseal the tube and continue on their destructive path. Hence, it would be best to consider termite infestation an emergency that needs a prompt solution. So, call in the experts to assess and remedy the situation!