How to Identify Termite Mud Tubes Before They Damage Your Home

Orlando's warm, wet climate makes it prime territory for termites. A recent University of Florida study confirmed that Florida is now the most termite-infested state in the country. But here's the good news—finding an infestation early can save thousands in repairs.

What Do Termite Mud Tubes Look Like?

Subterranean termites live underground but need wood to eat. To travel safely, they build termite mud tubes—protected tunnels made of dirt, wood bits, and saliva. These tubes trap moisture and block predators.

The tubes measure roughly the width of a pencil. Some grow larger over time. Look for them on foundation walls, support posts, crawl spaces, and where concrete meets wood.

Where to Check for Mud Tubes

Start outside. Walk around the house and look where the foundation meets siding or framing. Termites slip through tiny cracks to reach wood above.

Crawl spaces are prime spots. It's dark and damp down there—exactly what termites prefer. Check posts, joists, and any wood near soil. Bring a flashlight. Mud tubes blend into the dirt.

Garages matter too. Cracks in concrete slabs let termites in. Look along walls where drywall meets the floor. Check around wood shelves and storage.

Inside, watch for bubbling paint, hollow-sounding wood, or small holes with dirt around them.

How to Tell If Termites Are Still Active

A mud tube doesn't always mean termites are there now. Colonies move on after they eat all the nearby wood.

Here's a simple test. Break off about an inch from the middle of the tube. Don't wreck the whole thing—just enough to check. Wait a few days. If termites patch it up or build a new tube nearby, they're still around.

Even old tubes mean termites were there before. They could come back. Orlando termite exterminators can inspect for damage and determine what attracted them.

Other Signs of Termites

Mud tubes aren't the only clue.

Swarmers are winged termites that leave the nest in spring, usually after rain. Wings piled up near windows or doors mean a colony is close. Swarmers look like flying ants, but they're different. Termites have straight feelers, same-length wings, and thick waists. Ants have bent feelers and pinched waists.

Tap on wood with a screwdriver handle. Hollow sounds mean damage inside. Termites eat along the grain and leave tunnels lined with mud.

Frass looks like sawdust. Drywood termites push it out of tiny holes. Subterranean termites use their waste to build tubes instead.

How to Prevent Termites

Keep wood off the ground. Trellises and lattices should end a few inches above the soil. Store firewood away from the house—and off bare dirt.

Fix leaks fast. Dripping faucets, A/C lines, and sprinklers that soak the foundation all attract termites. Ensure gutters direct water away from the house.

Go easy on mulch. Piling it against walls invites trouble. Leave a gap. Gravel works better right next to the foundation.

Keep crawl spaces and attics vented. Humidity helps termites thrive.

Building new? Termite control for new construction adds barriers before termites can get in. ABC installs Termimesh, a non-toxic metal screen that blocks termite entry points.

When to Call a Professional

DIY sprays don't work on established colonies. They only hit what's on the surface. The real colony remains underground and continues to grow.

Professional exterminators use proven methods—liquid barriers, bait systems like Sentricon, and targeted treatments—that eliminate the entire nest. Orlando pest control specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services offer free inspections and a termite warranty for properties on yearly maintenance plans.

Think termites might be present? Don't touch anything before the inspection. Moving stuff or breaking tubes makes it harder to assess. It can also push termites to areas that are harder to find.

Termite damage can be fixed. Finding it early cuts costs way down. With regular checks and pro support, Orlando homeowners can keep these pests out for good.

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ABC Home & Commercial Services Orlando
City: Orlando
Address: 823 East Colonial Drive
Website: https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/orlando
Phone: +1 407 265 0665