Termite Inspection & Treatment in Greater Sacramento

Two kinds of termites, two different problems

Most termite calls in the Sacramento Valley come down to two types, and they behave very differently. Knowing which one you have shapes the whole treatment plan.

Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel up into a structure through mud tubes. You may see pencil-width tubes on a foundation, in a crawlspace, or along a garage wall. In spring, swarms of winged termites often come out after a warm rain. Because the colony is in the ground, treatment focuses on the soil and the points where wood meets it.

Drywood termites live inside the wood itself and do not need contact with soil. Common signs are small piles of hard, seed-shaped pellets under a window sill, door frame, or attic beam, plus small kick-out holes in the wood. Drywood colonies can show up in attics, eaves, fascia, and furniture. Depending on how far they have spread, treatment can be local to the affected wood or a whole-structure fumigation.

What a termite inspection covers

A licensed inspector checks the accessible areas of the structure: the exterior, the foundation, the garage, the crawlspace and the attic where they can be reached safely. We look for live termites, damage, pellets and mud tubes, and also for conditions that invite termites, such as wood touching soil, moisture problems, and leaks.

After the inspection we walk you through what we found, which areas are affected, and what we recommend. You get the findings in writing, so you can make a decision without guesswork. If you are buying or selling, ask about a real estate WDO report instead, since escrow usually needs that specific report.

Treatment options

• Subterranean termites: treatment of the soil and entry points around the structure, aimed at the colony and the paths it uses to reach the wood.
• Drywood termites, limited areas: local treatment of the infested wood when the activity is contained and reachable.
• Drywood termites, widespread: structural fumigation (tenting) when the colonies are spread through walls and framing that cannot be reached.
• Damaged wood: wood repair for boards and framing damaged by termites, fungus or dry rot.

We recommend the approach that fits what we actually find. Not every home with drywood termites needs to be tented, and not every swarm means a big problem.

Signs it is time to call

• Winged insects swarming indoors or near the foundation, or piles of discarded wings on sills
• Mud tubes on concrete, piers, or walls
• Small pellet piles that come back after you sweep them up
• Wood that sounds hollow, blisters, or crumbles when probed
• You are buying, selling, or refinancing a home

Local termite service since 1976

Our office is at 7233 26th St in Rio Linda, and our crews cover Rio Linda, Sacramento, North Highlands, Antelope, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Elk Grove, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Auburn, Placerville, Napa, Fairfield, Stockton and Lodi. Call (916) 999-9747 Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or send a message with the form below any time.