- Licensed & Insured | Serving San Diego Since 1998
Your Neighbor's Getting Treated for Termites. Should You Be Concerned?
Yes and no. Termite activity is common in San Diego homes what matters is how severe the infestation is. A free inspection will show you exactly where you stand and what (if anything) needs to be done.
What's Happening Next Door?
Your neighbor is getting their home fumigated for drywood termites a common issue in San Diego. Here’s what that means:
Fumigation (Tenting)
- Used when drywood termites have spread throughout multiple areas of a home
- The house is sealed with a tent and treated with gas that eliminates all termites
- Safe, effective treatment that's been used for decades in Southern California
- After 2-3 days, the tent comes down and home is completely safe to re-enter
Seeing a tented house can be alarming, but fumigation is a routine treatment in San Diego. It means your neighbor is taking care of their home and it’s a good reminder to check your own.
Termites Are Extremely Common in San Diego
San Diego’s mild, dry climate is perfect for drywood termites. Here’s what you need to know.
📊 By The Numbers
An estimated 1 in 3 homes in San Diego County will experience termite activity at some point
Drywood termites don’t need soil contact they live entirely in the wood structure of your home and can remain hidden for years.
🪵 Drywood Termites
Most Common in San Diego
• Live inside wood (attics, framing, window sills)
• Leave small piles of pellets (frass)
• Swarm in late summer/fall
• Require professional treatment
🌍 Subterranean Termites
Less Common Locally
• Live in soil, build mud tubes
• Require moisture
• More common near irrigation
• Treated with barriers/bait stations
Signs You Might Have Termites
Know what to look for in your home
Termite Droppings (Frass)
Small piles of pellets that look like sawdust, salt, or pepper usually found below kick out holes in wood
Discarded Wings
Small, translucent wings near windowsills or doors (termite swarmers shed wings after mating)
Hollow Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden beams, door frames, or window sills if they sound hollow, termites may have eaten the inside
Visible Damage
Blistering wood, small holes in drywall, or sagging floors/ceilings
Mud Tubes
Pencil thin tubes running up foundation walls from soil to wood (subterranean termites only)
Swarmers
Winged termites appearing indoors, especially near windows or light sources during late summer/early fall
Don't Panic
If you see any of these signs, a professional inspection will determine the extent of any activity and the best treatment option.
What Happens During Your Free Inspection?
A thorough, non invasive process that typically takes 45-60 minutes
Exterior Inspection
We walk the perimeter of your home, checking eaves, fascia boards, window frames, and siding. We look for mud tubes, frass, or visible damage, and inspect any wood to soil contact points.
Interior Inspection
We check attics, basements, and crawl spaces, inspecting window sills, door frames, and baseboards. We look for signs of frass, swarmers, or damage using moisture meters and probing tools to detect hidden activity.
Detailed Report
You receive a written report documenting our findings (required for real estate transactions), with clear photos of any evidence found, treatment recommendations if termites are present, and a cost estimate for treatment if needed.
No Pressure Consultation
We walk you through the report and answer all your questions. We explain your options: fumigation, local treatment, or monitoring. There's no obligation to move forward knowledge is power.
What Happens If We Find Termites?
We’ll recommend the best treatment based on the extent of the infestation
Local Spot Treatment
- Direct injection into affected wood
- Treats 1-2 specific locations
- Completed in 1 day
- No tenting required
- $500-$1,500 typical range
Wood Repair & Replacement
- Replace damaged beams or framing
- Repair window sills and trim
- Often combined with treatment
- Restores structural integrity
- Cost varies by extent of damage
Fumigation (Tenting)
- House is tented and treated with gas
- Penetrates all wood
- 2-3 day process
- Eliminates all drywood termites
- $1,200-$2,500 typical range
We'll Never Recommend Treatment You Don't Need
Our goal is to give you the information to make the best decision for your home.
The Best Time to Check Is When Your Neighbor Has Termites
Termites Spread Colony by Colony
If your neighbor has termites, there's a chance nearby homes could too especially if homes were built around the same time or share similar construction.
Early Detection Saves Money
Catching termites early often means local treatment instead of full fumigation saving thousands of dollars.
Peace of Mind
Even if we don't find anything, you'll know your home is clear and what to watch for in the future.
It's Completely Free
We're offering free inspections to neighbors as a courtesy no cost, no obligation.
Protects Your Investment
Your home is likely your biggest asset. Regular termite inspections protect that investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally $150-$200, but we're offering free inspections to neighbors of current customers as a community service.
Not necessarily. Many cases can be treated with local spot treatment. We only recommend fumigation when termites are widespread throughout the home.
About 45-60 minutes for a thorough inspection of your entire home, including attic, crawl space, and all accessible areas.
Yes, we'll need access to your attic, crawl space, and interior. We'll also walk you through our findings at the end so you understand exactly what we found.
They're required for most real estate transactions (called a Section 1 clearance), but they're also a smart preventative measure for any homeowner, regardless of whether you're buying or selling.
Perfect timing. If we find termites, you can address them before listing. If we don't, you'll have a recent clearance report to show buyers, which can speed up the transaction.
Extremely common. San Diego's climate is ideal for drywood termites. An estimated 1 in 3 homes in San Diego County will experience termite activity at some point. Many homes built before 2000 will have had termite issues.
Yes. The gas used (Vikane) dissipates completely and leaves no residue. After proper aeration (typically 6-8 hours), your home is completely safe to re-enter. It's been used safely for decades in California.
Typically $1,200-$2,500 depending on the size of your home. Local spot treatments range from $500-$1,500. We'll provide a detailed estimate if treatment is needed.
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for fumigation and repairs to make treatment affordable.
Schedule Your Free Inspection Today
Don’t wait until termites cause serious damage. A quick inspection now could save you thousands later and it’s completely free for neighbors of our current customers.
