FAQ’s
Quick Answers To Common Questions
Everything you need to know about termite inspections, prevention, and treatments in Southern California—answers to the questions homeowners and property managers ask most.
Termite Escrow Inspections
A termite escrow inspection is a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection required during a real estate transaction. It checks the property for termites, dry rot, and other organisms that can damage wood structures.
Most termite escrow inspections take between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and accessibility of the property.
The inspector will issue a report detailing the findings and recommended treatments or repairs. These are typically divided into Section 1 (active infestation or damage) and Section 2 (conditions likely to cause future issues).
Inspectors examine accessible areas such as the interior, exterior, attic, subarea (crawl space), garage, fences, and other wooden structures attached to the home.
Lenders and buyers want to ensure the property is structurally sound before closing. A termite inspection helps identify existing or past infestations and any conditions that could lead to future damage.
Payment is negotiable and depends on the purchase agreement. In many cases, the seller pays for the inspection and required repairs, but buyers and sellers can agree otherwise.
Termite HOA Inspection
A termite HOA inspection evaluates common areas and, when applicable, attached structures to identify termites, wood-destroying organisms, and conditions that may cause damage.
Regular inspections help protect shared structures, reduce long-term repair costs, maintain property values, and support the HOA’s maintenance and fiduciary responsibilities.
Inspectors examine accessible common areas such as clubhouses, garages, crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls, fences, balconies, decks, and other shared wooden structures.
Most HOAs schedule inspections annually, or more frequently if previous infestations, moisture issues, or wood-to-soil contact conditions exist.
This depends on the HOA’s governing documents. Some inspections are limited to common areas, while others may include attached units or balconies with proper notice.
The inspector provides a report detailing findings and recommended treatments or repairs. The HOA board then determines the scope of work and allocates responsibility based on HOA bylaws.
A written report is provided to the HOA board or property manager, outlining findings, recommendations, and any areas needing immediate attention.
Typically, the HOA covers inspections and any necessary treatments for common areas. Responsibility for individual units depends on the HOA’s governing documents.
Inspections are usually quick and minimally invasive. Access to common areas is scheduled to minimize disruption, and residents are notified in advance if any unit access is needed.
Termite Home Inspections
A termite home inspection checks for termites, wood-destroying organisms, and related damage in and around the home to help protect its structure and value.
Termites can cause serious damage without obvious signs. Regular inspections help catch problems early, prevent costly repairs, and provide peace of mind.
Most professionals recommend a termite inspection once a year, or sooner if there are signs of infestation such as mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings.
Inspectors examine accessible interior and exterior areas, including the foundation, attic, crawl space, garage, decks, fences, and any attached wooden structures.
A typical inspection lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the home and accessibility.
You’ll receive a detailed report outlining findings and recommended treatments or repairs. The inspector will explain your options so you can address the issue promptly.
Termite Rental Property Inspection
A termite rental property inspection checks for termites, wood-destroying organisms, and related damage to ensure the rental unit is safe, habitable, and protected from structural issues.
In most cases, landlords are responsible for maintaining habitable conditions, which includes addressing termite infestations promptly.
The inspector will provide a report outlining the infestation and recommended treatment. In most cases, the property owner is responsible for arranging and paying for treatment and repairs.
Most rental properties should receive a termite inspection at least once per year, or more frequently for multi-unit buildings and older structures.
Regular inspections help prevent costly repairs, protect the property’s value, and ensure compliance with habitability standards while providing peace of mind for both landlords and tenants.
Tenant presence is usually not required, but proper notice must be given. Inspectors will need access to all areas of the unit, including garages, patios, and any storage spaces.
Inspections are typically quick and minimally invasive. Most are completed within an hour and do not require tenants to vacate the unit unless treatment is needed.
Termite Fumigation
Termite fumigation is a treatment where a gas is used to penetrate all areas of a structure to eliminate termites, including hidden colonies within walls, floors, and wood. It is one of the most effective ways to treat widespread infestations.
Most fumigation treatments require the structure to be tented and sealed for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the size of the building and severity of the infestation. Additional time is needed for aeration before it is safe to re-enter.
Fumigation eliminates existing termites but does not prevent new colonies from invading. Preventative measures, such as routine inspections, moisture control, and barrier treatments, are recommended to protect your property long-term.
Yes. All people, pets, and plants must vacate the premises during fumigation to ensure safety. The pest control company will provide detailed instructions on what to remove and how to prepare.
Yes. Your property is vacated during fumigation, and we follow strict safety guidelines. The structure is safe to re-enter after gas levels return to normal.
Yes. When performed by licensed professionals, fumigation is safe. The gas penetrates the structure but dissipates quickly during aeration. All guidelines for personal safety and environmental protection are strictly followed.
Before fumigation, all people, pets, and plants must be removed. Food should be sealed or removed, medications secured, and valuables protected. The pest control company will provide a detailed prep checklist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Termite Spot Treat
A termite spot treatment targets specific areas of active termite activity instead of treating the entire structure. It involves applying termiticides directly to affected wood, soil, or galleries to eliminate termites in localized areas.
Most spot treatments can be completed in a few hours, depending on the size and complexity of the infestation.
Spot treatment eliminates current termites. Preventative measures and regular inspections help reduce the risk of new activity.
Spot treatments are ideal for small, isolated infestations or early detection of termites. They are less invasive than full-structure fumigation and work best when the infestation hasn’t spread extensively.
Yes. When applied correctly, spot treatments eliminate targeted termite colonies efficiently, especially for localized infestations.
The effectiveness depends on the type of product used, environmental conditions, and the severity of the infestation. Many treatments provide long-lasting protection, but regular inspections are recommended to ensure termites haven’t returned.
Spot treatments eliminate the current infestation but do not prevent new colonies from invading. Combining spot treatment with preventative measures, such as moisture control, wood maintenance, and routine inspections, helps protect your home long-term.
Termite Wood Damage Repairs
Termite wood damage repairs involve restoring or replacing wood that has been weakened or destroyed by termites. This can include structural elements like beams, joists, flooring, or even cabinetry and trim.
Repair times vary depending on the extent of damage. Minor repairs may take hours, while major replacements can take a few days.
The timeline depends on the size and location of the damage. Small repairs may take a few hours, while extensive structural repairs can take several days or longer, especially if multiple areas are affected.
Visible signs include hollow-sounding wood, cracks, sagging floors, or peeling paint. A professional inspection will determine the extent of the damage and whether repairs are necessary to maintain structural safety.
Repairing the wood restores structural integrity, but it doesn’t prevent new infestations. Combining repairs with preventative treatments, inspections, and moisture control helps protect your home long-term.
Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of wood affected, and whether structural elements need replacement. Minor cosmetic repairs may be a few hundred dollars, while major structural repairs can run into the thousands.
In most cases, yes. Minor repairs usually cause minimal disruption. For extensive structural repairs, certain areas may need to be temporarily restricted, but professionals work to minimize inconvenience while ensuring safety.