Termite mud tubes - what you need to know

What are termite mud tubes?

Termite mud tubes are small, dirt tunnels built by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and a food source. 

These tubes are typically made from soil, wood particles, and saliva, protecting the termites from dry air and predators. You might find them along your foundation, walls, or basement areas where termites have easy access to wood.

Because subterranean termites live underground, these tunnels let them move in and out of buildings without being exposed to light or open air. These tubes are a visible sign of a termite infestation.

Why do termites make mud tubes?

Subterranean termites build mud tubes for protection and moisture because their bodies dry out easily. The tubes help them hold in moisture while they search for food.

These tubes allow the termites to work and feed without leaving the safety of their covered path. Without these tubes or other protection, the termites wouldn’t survive above ground for long.

Termite mud tunnels vs. cocoons

Mud tunnels are often confused with insect cocoons, but they’re very different. A termite mud tube is a built pathway made of soil and debris, while a cocoon is a silk covering spun by an insect as it changes into another stage of life and only covers the insect’s body. 

Cocoons don’t spread across walls or foundations like mud tubes. If you see something that looks like a dirty brown or gray streak trailing up a wall, it’s likely a termite mud tube and not a cocoon.

What do termite mud tubes look like?

Termite mud tubes are usually brown or tan and about the width of a pencil. They often look like dried-out veins running up walls, posts, or other wooden surfaces. Over time, they may crack or chip if they’ve been abandoned.

Most tubes are about 1/4 to 1 inch wide, and you might find them along baseboards, behind siding, under porches, or in crawl spaces. If you break one open and see small insects inside, the colony may still be active. It’s also helpful to check dark, quiet places like behind furniture, in crawl spaces, or around plumbing. These areas often provide the moisture and wood access that termites look for.

Working mud tubes

Working mud tubes are the main highways for termites. They’re usually thicker, well-formed, and often packed with moving termites if the colony is active. These mud tubes may appear more solid than other types of tubes.

Exploratory mud tubes

Exploratory tubes are thinner and more fragile. Termites use them to explore new areas and search for food sources, hence their name. Because they’re used to help termites explore, these tubes may not always lead anywhere and could stop suddenly. Finding these early-stage tubes can be a warning sign that termites are scouting your property.

Swarm mud tubes

Swarm tubes are built when reproductive termites, called swarmers, are ready to leave the colony and form a new one. These tubes are often found on walls or ceilings and may be used for just a short time.

They’re not as common, but they’re a sign that a colony has matured and is spreading. This stage can mean the infestation has been active for a while. 

Drop mud tubes

Drop tubes hang down from ceilings, beams, or overhangs and connect to the ground or lower surfaces. These unusual-looking tubes show that termites are foraging in higher areas and trying to reach the soil. They’re often longer and can look like dirty stalactites. 

If you see a drop mud tube indoors, it might mean termites have already done some damage above. These tubes may be especially concerning in basements or unfinished spaces with exposed wood, like beams or subflooring.

Should I remove termite mud tubes?

While it’s okay to remove mud tubes to check for termite activity, it won't prevent an infestation or  stop  termites in their tracks. Breaking or brushing away the tube won’t stop termites. In fact, they’ll often rebuild a damaged tube within a day or two.

Removing tubes without treating the colony can give a false sense of security. Leaving the tubes in place until a pest control expert has assessed them can help identify the level of infestation and the right treatment method.

How to remove termite mud tubes

If you're trying to check a mud tube for activity, you can gently break it open with a glove or small tool. DIY methods only scratch the surface because termites often rebuild broken tubes quickly, and missing hidden tunnels or nests can let the infestation continue.

How to get rid of termite tubes hanging from the ceiling

Drop tubes hanging from ceilings are more than just an eyesore: they usually point to a serious infestation above. Removing them yourself is tempting, but without finding the source, they’ll just come back. These tubes are often connected to colonies in attics, suspended ceilings, or upper walls, where termites may quietly cause damage.

The best way to get rid of infestations is to hire a professional termite technician who can determine where the termites are coming from, assess the damage, and treat the infestation properly.

Are the tubes on the side of my house from termites?

If you see small brown or tan tubes running up your home’s foundation, siding, or porch supports, they’re most likely from subterranean termites. These tubes are a strong sign that termites are active or have been recently.

Even if you’re not sure what made them, it’s a good idea to have a termite expert take a look. Tubing on siding or brick may also indicate that termites are bridging gaps between the soil and a wooden structure.

Do drywood termites make mud tubes?

No, drywood termites do not make mud tubes. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they eat. They don’t need contact with soil or moisture from the ground, so they don’t build outside tunnels.

Instead, drywood termite activity is often marked by piles of frass (termite droppings) or damaged wood surfaces. Because they stay hidden, infestations can go unnoticed even longer than those caused by subterranean termites.

How long does it take termites to build mud tubes?

Termites can build mud tubes surprisingly fast. In some cases, a small tube can appear overnight. Larger, reinforced tubes used for regular travel can take a few days to form fully. 

The speed depends on the size of the colony, the humidity, and the availability of food sources. Active termites work 24/7, so even short delays in treatment can lead to rapid expansion. 

How to tell if termite mud tubes are active

You can check for active tubes by carefully breaking one open. If you see live termites inside – small, soft-bodied, and usually white or light tan – that’s a sign the colony is active. Even if you don’t see termites right away, check again the next day. If the tube is rebuilt, that confirms they’re still using it.

Sometimes tubes may look dry or old on the outside but still have activity within. Pay attention to any changes over time, because new tubes forming or broken ones being repaired can signal ongoing activity. 

What do old termite tubes look like?

Old mud tubes may look cracked, dry, or crumbly. They’re often faded in color and may break apart easily when touched. These tubes may still have been active recently, so don’t assume termites are gone just because the tube looks worn.

If you see old tubes, especially several in one area, the colony may have moved slightly or could still be nearby.

How deep are termite tunnels?

Subterranean termite tunnels can go as deep as 18 inches to several feet, depending on the soil and moisture. Inside a structure, their tubes may wind through walls, baseboards, or under flooring to reach their food source. Termites, in general, can forage up to several hundred feet from their nest site in the soil – but they usually don’t need to go as far as that when they have a good food source.

Most damage happens behind the scenes, which is why visible mud tubes are such a significant warning sign.

Need professional termite control?

At Western Exterminator, our termite pest control technicians know how to spot termite activity, assess the damage, and build a treatment plan tailored to your home or business. We look for hidden colonies and entry points, and help prevent future infestations. Our pest experts can help identify the specific termite species, so that we can provide the most targeted and effective treatment plan.

If you’ve spotted mud tubes or suspect termite activity, don’t wait.