What Should California Homeowners Know About Termites?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
California homes can be affected by drywood, subterranean, and dampwood termites. The appropriate treatment depends on the species, extent, location, structural damage, and property conditions.
What are common signs?
- Discarded wings
- Swarming insects
- Pellet-like droppings
- Mud shelter tubes
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Blistered surfaces
- Soft or damaged framing
- Moist wood
- Sticking doors or windows
Flying insects may be ants rather than termites, so identification matters.
How do termite types differ?
Drywood termites: Live within relatively dry wood above ground.
Subterranean termites: Live in soil and reach wood through shelter tubes or soil contact.
Dampwood termites: Prefer moist wood and are more common in certain cool or coastal areas.
How can homeowners reduce risk?
- Repair leaks
- Improve subarea ventilation
- Correct faulty grading
- Avoid soil-to-wood contact
- Remove buried wood and debris
- Maintain exterior paint and seals
- Store firewood away from structures
- Obtain professional inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Does seeing one swarm mean the house is infested?
Not necessarily, but professional inspection is appropriate.
Do store-bought sprays eliminate structural termites?
They often do not reach or eliminate the colony.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Termite damage is commonly treated as maintenance or infestation and often excluded.
Educational information
This content is for general educational purposes and is not construction, engineering, electrical, plumbing, pest-control, insurance, legal, environmental, fire-safety, or emergency advice. Maintenance needs vary by property, age, construction, climate, location, and condition. Work involving electricity, gas, roofing, structural systems, pests, hazardous materials, or permits should be handled by appropriately licensed professionals. If you smell gas, see fire, observe electrical arcing, discover a major leak, or believe a structure may be unsafe, leave the affected area when appropriate and contact emergency services or the responsible utility. Do not attempt a repair beyond your training.
Next step: Use a California-licensed structural pest-control professional to identify the species and recommend treatment.
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The next step is a conversation with a local agent.
JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.
A note on these California home-maintenance guides: These articles provide general, educational information about routine home maintenance, seasonal preparation, and life-safety systems for California homeowners. They are not construction, engineering, electrical, plumbing, pest-control, insurance, legal, environmental, fire-safety, or emergency advice, and they do not create a contractor, inspector, engineer, insurer, attorney, or emergency-responder relationship with the brokerage. Maintenance needs vary by property, age, construction, climate, location, and condition. Work involving electricity, gas, roofing, structural systems, pests, hazardous materials, or permits should be handled by appropriately licensed professionals, and code, insurance, hazard, and local requirements must be checked against current official sources at publication time. Property DNA is only one supporting research service and is never a substitute for inspections, permit research, maintenance records, contractor evaluations, structural engineering, pest inspections, insurance, title review, or professional advice. In an emergency, leave the affected area when appropriate and contact emergency services or the responsible utility.