What is this dirt tube coming out of the ground? There is another similar one but with 3 tubes, this one is a singular tube (but clearer pic).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,

Termites

I was thinking termites but the webz is saying that they only make these tubes attached to walls and such. Termites don't make standalone tubes like this.

Maybe a specific type of (subterranean?) termite will do this?

Not normally. These are very horny termites.

Termite mud tubes, also known as termite tunnels or shelter tubes, are essential indicators of subterranean termite activity. These intricate structures are constructed from a combination of soil, wood particles, termite saliva, and other organic materials, providing a protected pathway between termite nests and their food sources, typically wooden structures in homes. There are primarily two types of mud tubes: exploratory and working.

Exploratory Mud Tubes are used by termites to search for new food sources. These tubes rise from the soil and can extend up to 15 feet above the surface. They are usually fragile and often abandoned once termites find a suitable food source, leaving them empty. Despite being vacant, the presence of these tubes still signifies ongoing termite activity within the vicinity. These exploratory tubes are typically found only in the soil and indicate that termites may be deeply rooted on the property, potentially venturing further into structures in search of sustenance.

Working Mud Tubes, on the other hand, are sturdier and serve as active highways for termites moving between their colony and the food source. These tubes are darker due to a higher concentration of dirt and are continuously maintained by termites to ensure safe passage. The construction and maintenance of these tubes are critical for the survival and efficiency of the termite colony.

-or-

https://greenmagicpest.com/dirt-tubes/

Thanks. Okay, I guess I need to start calling termite control businesses. I wonder how much this is going to cost. Sigh...

Not saying it’s the start of an alien invasion but… don’t stand over one of those with any orifice exposed.

Hmm... Ok, for the WIN..

If you kill it w/ fire, is that a problem?

Termidor is the answer to termites. I soak small chunks of wood in the mix for about a week. Bury the chunks in the ground and let the termites feed. End of termites.

^^^ Yes, this is an easy DIY

I did some cursory research. Seems like the two most popular methods include Sentricon Bait or Termidor HE pesticide (non-repellant - seems to work like bait as well).

I think I only need treatment around the area where the tubes are found (outside the garage). We had some termite activity I remember about 15 years ago and the pest company determined that we only need to treat inside the garage (drilling holes through the concrete slab). Other parts of the house were fine.

Seems like this may still be the case (but will get the pest control guys to determine).

If this is the case and we only need to treat a limited amount of perimeter, do you guys recommend Sentricon or Termidor HE? I think the last time, the pest company used Termidor HE (which seems to be pretty effective).

There aren't any signs of infestation inside the garage like last time (again will get the pest guys to determine). But if we're just treating the outside perimeter of the garage, not sure which route is best.

I don't want an annual thing. Just event based treatment.

Sounds like Termidor is the way to go but just checking before I call the pest company.

I have used bait stations and in my opinion are the same as soaking small pieces of wood in Termidor and burying them. Termidor is sold in liquid, powder and foam. I personally use the foam cans in the attic, around doors and windows. I use the liquid mix and Hudson spray the outside soffits and base of the foundation. I also mixed the liquid Termidor in a 5 gallon bucket and trenched around the foundation and poured it in. After that, I put the soil back. I purchased the stuff from an online pest control shop.

Thanks! I'm leaning toward just sticking with Termidor and applying as needed. Seemed to work 15 years ago (I even forgot about it).

Sigh. Termites confirmed. And some affected trees further away from the house. I guess as termites go, subterranean is the easier to treat.

It's only on the south side of the house but we're going to probably treat the entire perimeter of the house and the inside south perimeter. Couple thousand dollars. Sigh.

Termidor HE. Trenching along the external perimeter, holes through the concrete slab on the inside perimeter.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Sigh. Termites confirmed. And some affected trees further away from the house. I guess as termites go, subterranean is the easier

I’m just asking: did you have termite people come out and inspect or did you just see the critters yourself?

Yup, had a guy come out. Saw termites as well (they were invading a tree a little further from the house).

Afterwards, I found a spot in the garage (window sill) with a tubule.

Are you getting tented?

That's how they treated termites when I lived in SoCal. Never seen it anywhere else I've lived.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Are you getting tented?

That's how they treated termites when I lived in SoCal. Never seen it anywhere else I've lived.

That's the best way I've seen it done in NorCal also

My neighbor used to have it done anually

No tents, thank goodness. The tent fumigation is for a particular type of termite other than subterranean. We're treating for subterranean here which is usually using a bait (sentricon) and/or termicide (termidor he). Involved digging holes and/or shallow trenches (4" W by 2" D).

I think treatment for subterranean is cheaper and more effective than the other types.