I joke that termites are like your kids—you’re never really done with them. Even if you tent your home, chances are you’ll deal with termites again. In fact, it might be more likely. That’s because termite fumigation doesn’t offer any residual protection. Theoretically, termites could re-infest your home the day after the tent comes down.

The real culprit? San Diego’s climate. The same weather that makes our city so desirable also makes it ideal for termites. Since it never gets too hot or too cold, termites stay active year-round. And just like people, termites love being near the coast. The moisture levels found in coastal areas are perfect for drywood termites. While they live in wood, they depend on the ambient moisture coastal properties often provide.

So, just like death and taxes, termites can’t be avoided entirely—but you can delay the inevitable.

Here’s how:

• Local treatments paired with preventative borate applications can help protect your home long-term. Local treatments use a chemical that can stay active in the wood for up to ten years. Borate treatments can last indefinitely—as long as the wood stays dry (like in attics or garages with exposed framing).
  
  
• Address moisture issues. Termites and wood rot thrive in damp environments. Fixing leaky plumbing, clearing clogged gutters, adjusting misdirected sprinklers, and swapping out water-hungry plants for low-irrigation succulents can make a big difference—especially if you have planters up against your home.
  
  
• Get a warranty. A full-structure warranty that includes annual inspections and local treatments helps catch termite activity early and avoid expensive wood damage—often without the need to fumigate. Most termite companies require a costly treatment before they’ll offer a warranty.
  
  

If you’re interested, call or email us to schedule a free termite inspection and find out if your home qualifies.