The Termite Guy FAQs

Mud tubes on foundations or walls, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings near ground-level entry points are the most common signs. Because they travel through soil, subterranean termite activity is often hidden behind walls or under flooring until an inspection uncovers it.

A mature subterranean termite colony can contain anywhere from 60,000 to several million individuals, constantly foraging and feeding underground and through your structure's wood. Drywood termite colonies are smaller, but a single structure can host multiple separate colonies at once.

Yes — drywood termites can survive in wood with much lower moisture content than other termite species, often around 12%, which is part of why they thrive in dry Southern California wood framing, siding, and furniture.

Dampwood termites are drawn to wood with high moisture content, particularly decaying or water-damaged lumber, and unlike subterranean termites, they don't require soil contact to survive. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and old water damage are the most common causes of dampwood activity in homes.

They spread through swarmers — winged adults that fly from an existing colony and land directly on exposed wood to start a new colony. They can also be introduced through infested furniture, framing lumber, or firewood brought into the home.

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage because it is considered a preventable maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental event. Termite inspections and prompt treatment are the best way to detect infestations early, minimize damage, and avoid costly repairs.

In nature, termites are valuable decomposers that break down dead wood and recycle nutrients back into the soil. The issue is only when they target a structure instead of a fallen log — which is exactly when it's time to call in a professional.

Section 1 covers evidence of active infestation or existing damage from wood-destroying organisms — live termites, active mud tubes, or wood already damaged by termites, fungus, or other wood-destroying pests. These items typically must be resolved before a real estate transaction can close.

Section 2 covers conditions that could lead to infestation in the future but aren't active problems yet — things like wood-to-soil contact, faulty grade, excess moisture or leaking plumbing. Section 2 items are negotiable between buyer and seller and aren't required to close escrow. Some strict loan types (like VA or FHA) may require certain Section 2 items to be corrected before closing.

California law doesn't require either party to pay; it's negotiated as part of the purchase agreement. In practice, sellers often address Section 1 items to keep the sale moving, while Section 2 items are more commonly negotiated as credits or left for the buyer.

A clearance is written confirmation, issued after Section 1 work is completed, that a property is free of active termite infestation. Lenders and escrow companies require this confirmation before funding a loan tied to a termite contingency.

A California structural pest control report is generally valid for 90 days from the inspection date. If escrow doesn't close within that window, most lenders will require a new inspection.

Yes, ordering your own inspection before listing lets you address any findings on your own timeline, choose your own termite control company, and avoid last-minute surprises from a buyer's inspector that could delay or derail the sale. A clean report can also reassure buyers, especially in a competitive market.

Yes. Buyers are entitled to order their own inspection from any licensed company, and many do, particularly if the seller's report seems incomplete or if they want a second opinion before closing.

Yes. We regularly inspect properties for purchase transactions and refinances, and we provide reports formatted for lenders and escrow exactly the way they require, with fast turnaround during time-sensitive closings.

Once termite damage is identified as a Section 1 item on the inspection report, it often becomes part of the negotiations between the buyer and seller. Whether the repairs are completed before closing or handled another way depends on the terms of the purchase agreement. We can handle the entire process, from the initial termite inspection to the repair estimate and in-house wood repairs, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

Generally, no. Most homeowners insurance policies treat termite damage as a maintenance issue rather than a covered peril, since infestations develop gradually rather than from a sudden event.

The entire structure is enclosed in a tarp, and a fumigant gas is introduced to penetrate every void in the wood, eliminating drywood termites throughout the structure — not just in the spots you can see. It's the only treatment that reaches termites hidden deep inside walls, eaves, and framing that can't be directly accessed for spot treatment.

Most residential fumigations take 3 days and 2 nights to complete. Weekend fumigations typically take 4 days and 3 nights, since crews do not work on Sundays. The process includes tent installation, fumigation, aeration, and final clearance. You must remain out of the home until the fumigator has certified that it is safe to re-enter.

You'll need to remove or properly double-bag certain food and medications and make arrangements for all people and pets to be out of the home during the fumigation. We will coordinate with the gas company to have your gas service shut off before fumigation. After the fumigation is complete, the homeowner is responsible for scheduling the gas service to be restored. We'll provide a complete preparation checklist and guide you through every step before your scheduled date.