Final answer:
Mud shelter tubes near a home's foundation are typically created by termites to protect themselves and maintain a moist environment while traveling from the ground to the wood they infest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mud shelter tubes near the foundation of a home may indicate activity of termites. Termites are known for building these protective tunnels from the earth to the wood they are infesting.
These mud tubes help them maintain a moist environment and protect them from predators and the outside environment while they travel.
In contrast, other insects like fire ants build mounds, mud daubers create nests out of mud typically on walls, eaves, or even under porches, and earwigs prefer to live in moist, dark areas but do not build mud structures.
Mud shelter tubes near the foundation of your home may indicate activity of termites. Termites build these tubes as protective tunnels to access your home. They feed on wood and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Unlike other pests mentioned, termites are known for their mud shelter tubes.