Mud tubes are one of the most definitive signs of an active termite infestation in your property. They look like veins of mud and will run up walls and across the ceiling. It is a sign that it is time to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville to eradicate the infestation. Let’s take a closer look at what mud tubes are and why termites build them.

How Termites Build Mud Tubes

Termite mud tubes are made from a mix of soil, wood particles, termite saliva, and other organic materials. The organic material is bound together with the saliva and each tube is around the diameter of a pencil. The construction of mud tubes begins when subterranean termites seek out a food source above ground. The tubes will usually run along surfaces like walls, ceilings, and joists, but they can appear almost anywhere. You may even find advanced networks of mud tubes that span open gaps. This is especially common in basements and crawl spaces where termites will build pillars known as drop tubes to connect the floor to wooden structures above.

Why Termites Need Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes in order to protect themselves from predators. While termites live in large colonies sometimes consisting of tens of thousands of these pests, they are small and defenseless against predators looking for an easy meal. Spiders, wasps, cockroaches, and centipedes will eat termites as will some birds and small mammals. Traveling inside a mud tube instead of out in the open offers some protection against these predators and also shields them from light, rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. It is important to note, that because termites are prey for some other pests, their presence may attract more invaders making it especially important to seek termite treatment in Knoxville promptly.

Termite tubes are also used to help termites navigate over non-wood surfaces including concrete and brick allowing them to reach materials that contain cellulose that they can eat. This includes materials like paper, wood, fabric, carpet, and cardboard. If you look at a network of termite mud tubes, you will see larger ‘working tubes’ that serve as a highway of sorts to allow large numbers of termites to access food sources from the nest. You will also see smaller tubes branching off in many different directions. These are ‘exploratory tubes’ that are used by termites exploring in the hope of discovering a new food source. Seeing more of the large tubes means the colony is well established and getting termite treatment in Knoxville is urgent to avoid severe structural damage.

What To Do If You Find Mud Tubes

If you find evidence of mud tubes in your home then it is likely that you are dealing with an active infestation of termites. Do not be tempted to try and clean away the mud tubes. This is not going to resolve the problem it is likely to prompt the termites to build new mud tubes, potentially in hard-to-find and hard-to-treat areas. The best thing to do when you think you have found mud tubes in your home is to book professional termite treatment in Knoxville to take care of the problem.

Why Choose Otis Termite & Pest Control for Termite Treatment in Knoxville

If you find yourself in need of termite treatment in Knoxville it is important that you choose a provider who can safely and effectively handle the infestation for you. Look no further than Otis Termite & Pest Control. With over 47 years of experience in the pest control industry, we have proven time and time again that we will exceed industry standards and provide effective solutions to eradicate pests while also protecting your home and family. Through years of testing a variety of treatment methods, we have developed our program of termite treatment in Knoxville that offers immediate results against the current infestation while also providing long-term protection to prevent future damage from subterranean termites and other wood-boring pests. We stand behind this process and offer a $1,000,000 termite damage repair guarantee.

Do not let a preventable pest turn into a permanent problem. Call Otis Termite & Pest Control for expert termite treatment in Knoxville. We offer a free inspection that allows us to devise the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs including ongoing monitoring of bait stations to keep termites at bay after the initial extermination.

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.