Subterranean termites in California establish colonies underground and reach older homes by building mud tubes along foundation walls where wood meets soil. Once contact occurs the workers move cellulose material back to the nest, weakening structural members over months or years before any visible sign appears. Homeowners often notice the first evidence as pencil-thin mud tubes on stucco or concrete, blistered paint, or hollow-sounding baseboards when tapped.
Drywood termites differ by living entirely inside the wood they consume, creating small piles of six-sided fecal pellets that homeowners find near window sills or door frames. These colonies grow slowly inside structural lumber or furniture without needing ground moisture, making them common in coastal and inland California neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Early detection requires probing suspect wood and inspecting attic framing where frass accumulates.
Termite Inspection Near You — Choose Your City
Every city below has its own local Termite Inspection page with coverage details.
Los Angeles County
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
Los Angeles
San Diego County
Humboldt County
Alameda County
San Joaquin County
Orange County
Santa Clara County
Contra Costa County
San Mateo County
Yolo County
San Mateo
Ventura County
Ventura
Shasta County
Butte County
Butte
Madera County
Solano
Lake
Santa Clara
Placer County
Kern County
Yuba
Sacramento
Solano County
Merced County
San Diego
Fresno County
San Joaquin
Sacramento County
Contra Costa
DIY sprays and foams applied only to visible damage leave the main colony untouched because subterranean workers continue foraging from protected soil galleries and drywood reproductives remain sealed inside timber. Liquid barriers that do not reach the actual foraging tubes or bait stations placed without colony mapping allow reinfestation within a single season. Professional inspection maps entry points, determines species, and selects soil treatment or bait placement that matches the actual foraging pattern.
Pre-1980 California construction often lacks the soil barriers required by later codes, so termite risk rises wherever irrigation or drainage keeps soil against siding or where decks were added without inspection access. An operator examines crawl spaces, attic voids, and exterior grade lines to produce a written report that documents active versus inactive evidence and outlines the soil or bait steps needed.
Technician insight
In Los Alamitos the thing that catches most people out with Termite Inspection is irrigation overspray keeping soil constantly moist against stucco on 1960s slab homes. Homeowners spray the visible tubes and think the problem is solved, yet the colony remains active in the soil because the grade was never corrected.
Los Alamitos 1968 Ranch Home
Problem: mud tubes appeared along the garage slab after winter rains. What we found: subterranean termites entering through soil contact at an irrigation valve box installed against the foundation. What we did: mapped active tubes, confirmed no drywood activity, and recommended soil bait stations rather than interior sprays. Outcome: homeowner received a written report for insurance and scheduled soil treatment through the operator.
Termite Inspection Services We Offer
✓Wood Destroying Organism Report
Operator inspects accessible wood members and produces a written report noting active or inactive termite evidence for real estate or insurance purposes.
✓Subterranean Termite Inspection
Operator checks soil contact points, foundation walls, and mud tubes to determine whether a soil treatment or bait station approach is required.
✓Drywood Termite Inspection
Operator probes suspect lumber, examines pellet accumulations, and identifies gallery locations inside structural members and furniture.
✓Escrow and Real Estate Inspection
Operator performs a full property review during sale transactions and supplies documentation required by lenders and title companies.
Termite Inspection Cost in California
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Termite Inspection | $175-$350 | single-family pre-1980 home with crawl space access |
| Escrow Termite Report | $225-$450 | includes written WDO report for real estate transaction |
| Multi-Unit Or Complex Access Inspection | $300-$600 | larger properties or limited crawl space entry |
| Follow-Up Verification Visit | $125-$225 | post-treatment confirmation of activity levels |
Ranges are typical for California and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Exterior Grade And Foundation Review
Operator walks the perimeter, checks soil contact, irrigation patterns, and any existing tubes or shelter tubes on stucco or concrete.
- 2
Interior And Crawlspace Examination
Operator inspects baseboards, door frames, subfloor areas, and attic framing for hollow wood, pellets, or moisture signs.
- 3
Species Identification And Evidence Mapping
Operator distinguishes subterranean from drywood activity and records locations that require soil treatment or targeted bait placement.
- 4
Report Delivery And Recommendation
Operator prepares the written findings and explains whether a soil barrier, bait stations, or wood treatment is the appropriate next step.
Pricing
Pricing depends on property size, age, access to crawl space and attic, and whether a written report for escrow is required.