GLOSSARY · ADELAIDE
Mud tubes
Plain English
Pencil-thin earthen tunnels built by subterranean termites to bridge from soil to timber while staying protected from air and predators.
Mud tubes are the most visible sign of subterranean termite activity. They appear on brick piers, foundation walls, external wall surfaces, or anywhere termites need to travel above ground.
Active mud tubes contain workers; if you break one and termites are present, the colony is still active. Empty or dried-out tubes can indicate previous activity that's moved on.
If you find mud tubes, don't disturb them further. Photograph them, note location, and book a pest inspection. Disturbing tubes causes termites to retreat and rebuild elsewhere - making treatment harder.