Subterranean Termites

Mud Tubes, a Termite Highway to your Home.

Subterranean Termites build their nests under ground and feed on buried Cellulose Material, making your home appetizing to these six legged Pests.  Once their underground food supply has ran out they will build "Mud Tubes" or Shelter Tubes that extend out from the soil to reach more of a needed food source.  Mud Tubes are also to protect them in their quest for more food to bring back to the Colony.  The Tubes are made of saliva, water particles, fecal matter and soil, therefor are brown in color and look to be made of dirt. 

In this picture you can get an idea of just how aggressive Subterranean Termites can be in building their Mud Tubes out from underground in search for food. Pala, California

Subterranean Termites can build their Colonies in the ground underneath your home, then can move on to the actual wood structure leading to what can be extremely costly repairs.  There are several preventative measures that can be done both inside and outside your home to help keep Subterranean Termites from attacking your home as a food source.  One way is to avoid water accumulation around your home by properly installing rain gutters to direct water away from home.  Inside your home you can reduce the humidity with proper ventilation which will help keep the Colonies out. 

If you come across what you think could possibly be Subterranean Tubes in or around your home you will want to schedule a Termite Inspection as soon as possible to avoid any further damage that may have already taken place.  A Home Termite Inspection done by a Professional would be the best way to get a better understanding of damage Termites have started in and around your Home.