Subterranean termites build mud tubes — also called shelter tubes or galleries — to travel between their soil nest and their food source. The tubes keep the workers in a humid, protected environment while they forage. On a Campbelltown property, mud tubes are the single most reliable visual sign of active termites.

Where mud tubes typically appear

• Up the outside of brick piers, slab edges and foundation walls
• Down from the roof void along wall studs and cornices
• Along the underside of sub-floor bearers and joists
• Across retaining walls, fence sleepers and garden edging
• Inside the wall cavity behind skirting boards (visible only on inspection)

Three types of mud tubes

• Working tubes — the everyday freeway between nest and food
• Exploratory tubes — thin, brittle tubes as termites search for new food
• Drop tubes — hanging from ceiling joists or bearers, indicating an established feeding site above

What NOT to do if you find one

Do not break open the tube, spray it or wash it away. Doing so scatters the workers, kills the trail we need to follow, and often causes the colony to abandon that route and start another one you won’t spot. Take a photo and call us — leave the tube exactly as it is.

Book a Campbelltown or Macarthur inspection

If termite mud tubes is a concern at your Campbelltown, Ingleburn, Glen Alpine, Rosemeadow, Leumeah, Bradbury, Ambarvale, Airds, Ruse or Kentlyn property, our licensed local team can help. Same-day service where possible, fixed pricing before we arrive and a full written report every visit.