When an unfamiliar object or a creepy little creature suddenly appears at home, many people's first instinct is to quickly remove it. A Chinese netizen recently spotted a bizarre, snake-like object on her wall and hurriedly took tools to clear it away, not realizing she almost caused serious damage to her own house.
The netizen posted anxiously on the Chinese forum "Xiaohongshu" after discovering a strange elongated object stuck to the wall next to a power outlet. It looked like a brown snake, but when she touched it, it felt like a hardened lump of soil. Panicked, she quickly scraped the entire unknown object off the wall and nervously asked, "Could this be insect eggs?" Curious about what mysterious species it might be, she added, "Does anyone know what this is? It looks like hardened soil, so strange."
After the photo was shared online, sharp-eyed netizens immediately recognized the uninvited guest. They identified it as a termite tunnel, a "mud tube" built by termites to travel. Comments warned that if such tunnels appear, it means the house almost certainly harbors termite nests inside. They urged the original poster to seek professional pest control help immediately to remove the infestation before it worsens.
Some of the advice included:
- "If this is a rental, move out quickly; if it's your own home, get professionals to handle it."
- "Termites can cause severe damage; professional extermination is necessary to prevent future problems."
- "Don't attempt to spray pesticides yourself, as this may cause termites to relocate and spread."
The strange elongated object was actually a termite trail, constructed by termites as a tunnel for movement. If such tunnels are found at home, it is recommended to carefully peel back a small section to check for live termites inside. If confirmed, it likely means the wood inside has already been extensively hollowed out. Immediate professional intervention is crucial to prevent further structural damage.
Homeowners should avoid trying to remove these tunnels or spray pesticides without expert advice, as improper handling can cause termites to scatter and infest other parts of the property. Instead, contacting licensed pest control professionals is the safest way to eradicate termites and protect the home.
