Visible mud tubes running up the exterior foundation wall — New York, New York
Pencil-width mud tubes running vertically up a foundation wall are highway tunnels built by subterranean termites to travel safely from soil to wood. Even a single tube means an active or recently active colony is feeding on your home's framing. Breaking a tube open may reveal live workers inside. A pest-control technician inspects the full perimeter, probes accessible wood for hidden damage, identifies the species, and applies targeted treatment — typically a liquid termiticide barrier or bait-station system — then schedules follow-up monitoring to confirm the colony is eliminated.
Who to call
For this problem in New York, call a: Ongediertebestrijder
Vind een Ongediertebestrijder in New YorkSymptoms to look for
- Brown or tan pencil-width mud lines climbing the foundation wall
- Tubes reappearing within days after you scrape them off
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood where the tubes reach the sill plate
- Swarms of winged termites near windows or doors in spring
- Small piles of discarded wings on windowsills or the garage floor
Spoeddienst in New York
Emergency home services in New York City are available 24/7 but come at premium rates — expect $150–$300+ per hour for after-hours plumbing or electrical emergencies. Response times average 45–90 minutes in Manhattan, longer in outer boroughs. Always verify the provider's NYC license before letting them in.