I was browsing Reddit the other day and came across a post on r/whatisthis that included a picture of a weird-looking tower of dirt growing right out of the tile floor. The dirt tower stood almost 6 inches tall and resembled a miniature sculpture created from sand. The user who posted the image asked: “What is it? Ant nest? What is it purpose? It keeps reappearing after being destroyed multiple times.”
My initial response? No way is that an ant. What you are viewing is a termite mud tube.
You probably think it looks silly. A little tube of dirt, right? But, if you have this popping up in your home (especially in indoor areas, such as tile floors), it is a serious situation. I have witnessed this in a friend’s home before and let me tell you; you do NOT want to overlook it.
What Is a Termite Mud Tube?
A termite mud tube is essentially a highway system built by subterranean termites. Subterranean termites reside underground and require moisture to exist. Therefore, when searching for food (typically wood) and rising above ground to find it, they create tunneling systems using soil, wood fragments, their saliva, and feces.
The tube protects the termites from predators and maintains their ability to retain moisture. The example in the photograph is considered an “exploratory” mud tube. Essentially, it is the termite equivalent of sticking your head outside to see what is happening.
Why Does It Keep Reappearing Even When You Destroy It?
If you continually break down the tube and it continues to appear, then this is a clear indicator that there is a colony present and it is active and determined. You are not merely dealing with a few stray termites; rather, you are dealing with a colony of termites that is currently thriving beneath your floor or nearby in the soil.
I have found that many individuals believe that simply eliminating visible termites or destroying the tube is sufficient to eliminate the infestation. Unfortunately, this is not accurate. Instead, you are simply treating symptoms rather than the actual problem.
The underlying cause of the infestation exists beneath the surface (either underground or possibly within your wall or flooring).
Why It’s Important To Take Action
I have witnessed individuals ignore signs of termites believing that the termites were simply causing annoyance due to their presence. However, subterranean termites are typically silent destroyers. As such, they can consume wood, paper, and even some types of soft plastic without you realizing anything is wrong until the damage has occurred.
If termites are creating mud tubes through cracked grout in tile flooring, it is possible that they have already burrowed into the area beneath your foundation. Once established, they will continue to expand and grow their colony throughout the night and during the day. I have previously heard of a situation in which termites had eaten away approximately half of the structural support beams of a flooring system prior to its discovery.
Identifying the Difference Between Termites and Ants
It is relatively simple to initially mistake termites for ants. However, ants do not construct complex structures from dirt, particularly those that appear to defy gravity and stand upright. While ants may displace loose dirt from near entrance points, they do not construct long, thin mud tubes.
Another indicator is that termite mud tubes tend to be closed. In addition, since termites prefer to avoid light, their tunnels are always sealed. If you tear apart a termite mud tube and wait for a short period of time, you should be able to view the small, white-bodied termites moving within the tube. (Do not crush them all. You would like to demonstrate the existence of termites to a pest control professional.)
What To Do
Here is the bad news. If you discover a termite mud tube in your home, particularly in an interior location, you cannot simply knock it down and forget about it. From what I have experienced in previous cases, the tube is simply the beginning of the problems. You should contact a professional termite inspector as soon as possible.
They can determine whether the structure is a result of termite activity and locate the source of the termites. They will assess any potential hidden damage to the structure and recommend the best course of treatment (this is usually bait systems or soil treatments).
In extreme cases, depending upon the size of the colony or how long the colony has existed, additional structural repairs may be required. I know it sounds like a hassle. However, the longer you wait to address the situation, the greater the extent of the damage.
Something Additional About Subterranean Termites That You May Not Be Aware Of
Subterranean termites are very common in humid climates. Any area that experiences poor drainage, leaky pipes, or excessive humidity is essentially providing an invitation for termites. I have personally discovered that any type of crack in tile or any crack in the slab of the foundation provides an easy entry point for subterranean termites.
If you are experiencing issues with mud tubes, treat the situation seriously. And, if you do not have issues with mud tubes, but you reside in a humid climate, check your baseboard and tile lines. You never know.
That odd and consistent tower of dirt on your tile floor is not an ant mound. It is a termite mud tube and it is advising you of an issue below the surface. Do not ignore it. Trust me, future you will thank you for not ignoring it.
