Oh, oh, there's a mud tube climbing up the foundation of your house. It's time for action: you've got termites.

If this were your house, you could be in for a big expense. You have to get rid of the wood-chomping pests and then repair the damage they did. It will be much worse if they have been at work for some time.

It can happen in cold climates as well as in warmer places. Termites are fairly common in Chicago, for example, and they've been found as far north as Alaska. Ice and snow slow them down but don't get rid of them.

As with any problem that causes deterioration of a building, early detection prevents extensive damage.

Get a termite inspection. It will cost about $125, depending on where you live, and it will take a half hour to 45 minutes for the inspector to complete his work. It may include inspection of the basement, foundation, woodwork and the attic. The inspector will also check for ants, bugs and fungus.

The peace of mind a "no termites" verdict brings is worth the price. If infestation is found, damage can be brought to a halt and the problem eliminated within days.

Common conditions that encourage termite infestation include earth-to-wood contact at support posts, cellulose debris and boards left in the crawlspace, improper drainage away from the structure, and inadequate ventilation in the crawlspace.

Wood mulch should not touch the foundation or be too close to it. The same is true for stacked firewood.

Old tree stumps near the building should be removed, along with roots.

Correcting these conditions can reduce the likelihood of a termite problem, according to Ohio State University entomologists.