Termite and Wood Boring Insects - what do shiny coatings/tunnels under siding mean?

I live in the northeast, and have a wood siding. I recently noticed hard mud tunnel like coatings on the lower side of my siding about 10 feet above the ground, in a particular part of the exterior which does not get much sun and remains wet. They are horrizontal, about 4-5 inches long and have a shiny yellow coatation on them. The siding also seems to be damaged - not sure if it is because of the wetness or if it is due to these tunnels. I am really curious (and worried) as to what these deposits are? Are these termite mud tunnels? From what I know, termites make vertical tunnels from ground up, and I dont see anything like that. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

see if you can post some photos, useing photo bucket or something like that, will help us to help you.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

Thanks - I have posted some pictures. Here is the link:
http://s365.photobucket.com/albums/oo93/housemain/

see if you can post some photos, useing photo bucket or something like that, will help us to help you.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

Looks like a mold or Fungi to me. The siding staying wet is the problem. Proper drainage in the area and maybe cutting some tree limbs to allow some sun and wind would be advisable. Scrape them off and use a paint with a mold retardent in it to renew the look. Be sure the siding is dry before you paint.

i would agree with badeye, looks more like a fungus infection than any thing else.

if we're not supposed to eat animals why are they made out of meat?