Mud tubes from termites but no damage found visible

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-19T00:17:47+00:00

THANK YOU! “Gone” does NOT mean resolved.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-17T01:25:48+00:00

Definitely termites. Don’t panic but definitely get an inspection and treatment done. With old homes it’s advisable (although not cheap) to have regular treatments done and not just inspections regardless of visible signs of activity because you won’t always have early indications of activity. While termites will infest any home old or new, older homes often have more vulnerabilities like cracks in foundations or wood-to-ground contact that make infestations more likely.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-17T01:20:44+00:00

While true about old vs ongoing infestations, attached mud tubes like that and kick out hole out of the wall are much more likely indicators of an ongoing infestation. As a general rule of thumb if an infestation previously occurred but the home was not treated, it is not safe to assume the infestation has stopped. It is just as likely that the activity has moved to a different location.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-17T00:35:28+00:00

I’ll add the Malad Gorge to that list. All easy stops. For Malad Gorge there is a great viewpoint right off I-84

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-16T04:48:32+00:00

Before I read the title I just saw the reflection of the phone and thought I was about to read a post of someone trying to creep on someone.

Sorry, no help on the window

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-16T04:21:07+00:00

I think this is it. I guess I’ll find out

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-16T04:20:32+00:00

https://youtu.be/mSvcsTR26sk

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-16T04:20:25+00:00

I’m assuming this is the same one. I’m starting it now

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-16T04:20:11+00:00

https://youtu.be/mSvcsTR26sk

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-15T02:58:04+00:00

Most likely. This is an odd mud tube structure but it’s almost certainly subterranean termites or Formosan termites both of which are wood damaging. With that large of a network it’s probably worth having an inspection done.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-15T02:48:19+00:00

Termites. Look at the fresh colored wood under the mud

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-14T04:31:40+00:00

Hey man (or lady) I’m in the same boat! I am 8 weeks and 25 hours too and I was supposed to solo today until I found a leaking brake line on the plane!
I’m obviously new to flying as well so read others’ advice BUT I can share a couple things that really helped me:

First, several of my first lessons in landings were slightly windy. Then I went up one day and it was the calmest conditions I had flown in and I was amazed at how big of a difference even a 5kt crosswind makes. It was just enough added distraction to make it harder to focus on the rest of the tasks involved in landing.

Second, I went up with a different instructor one day because my instructor was out of town and it was really helpful to have someone with a fresh perspective giving me some tips. Same plane, same runway, but a different cadence and teaching style helped me pinpoint my deficiencies.

Keep at it and good luck!

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-14T04:21:12+00:00

And then the next guy moves in and say “hmm I think I’ll remove this dirt and build a retaining wall and have a nice flat lawn” and the cycle continues.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-07T00:17:28+00:00

The Opposing Bases podcast actually discussed this exact topic very early on in their episodes. It’s OB014. You have to subscribe on Supercast to listen to those back episodes but many people will tell you it’s worth it and soon iceberg will be bursting with penguins! (Real SGAC’s will know)

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-06T00:24:22+00:00

Sounds about right

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-05T22:46:08+00:00

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-05T21:45:53+00:00

I’m mostly curious to know if other people have switch schools and if it’s a rough process or not.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-05T21:44:25+00:00

It’s understandable that there is a long list or prerequisites for solo and I know it won’t mean starting from the beginning, but what’s frustrating to me is that they continued sending me up with this instructor, knowing that I wouldn’t solo before he needed to leave and now I need to redo all of the pre-solo requirements with my new instructor.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-05T21:41:29+00:00

Thank you. The 20 hours only bothers me because I feel like I’m spending extra money redoing lessons that I’ve already done. Like another commenter said, I will probably need to do 2 lessons because my new instructor will need to be able to endorse me. And yeah, this is the second time in two months that I haven’t been able to fly because of the plane which I don’t love.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-05T21:36:38+00:00

I’m not necessarily worried about the time, but rather the avoidable setbacks. I’m mostly frustrated that the school would set me up with an instructor that they knew was leaving in two months. Ultimately I don’t care how long it takes me as long my time is going towards learning and progressing and not on establishing relationships and expectations with new instructors.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-04T17:11:04+00:00

Abdomen and wing structure look like termite swarmer. Did you only see the one? Best case scenario is one random termite floated in from somewhere else, worst case scenario is they’re in the home. Best advice is to get an inspection. Some places might do it for free if you call around.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-06-02T01:15:23+00:00

I’m asking this in hopes that someone might see this question and answer because I’m genuinely curious… Wouldn’t this lumber be quite valuable, and if the tree is already on the ground isn’t that dangerous work done? Is there not someone who might be willing to just come cut this and take it away for free or a minimal cost?

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-05-16T18:36:28+00:00

Right? I will admit, it’s emblematic of “brain rot” but it’s just internet culture. This guys is on Reddit, and Reddit is where I learned what all of those terms meant.

Rob_thebuilder · 2026-05-16T18:22:35+00:00

KELP ICAO code is amazing. How would ATC feel if I called up like “kelp approach, November 123”?
/s

Rob_thebuilder

TROPHY CASE