Right Time Termite Company is built around one focus: getting the termite problem identified correctly and treated the right way. Pasadena homeowners face two distinct threats - drywood termites living inside the wood and subterranean termites pushing up from the soil - and the treatment that works for one does nothing for the other. We inspect first, confirm the species and the extent of the damage, then recommend the treatment that fits what we actually find. Hollow wood checked. Mud tubes traced. Treatment matched to the species.
Call (626) 226-4993 for a quote and let's get started.
Termites rarely announce themselves. By the time visible damage appears, a colony may have been working inside the structure for months. Knowing what to look for helps you catch the problem earlier, but the signs for subterranean and drywood termites look very different from each other.
Subterranean termites travel from the soil through mud tubes - pencil-thin tunnels of dirt and debris pressed against foundation walls, crawlspace beams, and the slab perimeter. The tubes keep the colony moist as workers move between the ground and the wood above. Drywood termites, by contrast, live entirely inside the wood they eat. Their calling cards are small kick-out holes in the surface of the wood and tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass that collect beneath the infested area.
Both species produce swarmers - winged reproductives that emerge in warm weather to start new colonies. Finding discarded wings near a window or a door is a warning worth acting on.
The problem with self-diagnosing is that signs are often subtle and easy to confuse. Our experienced termite technicians who respect your home will look in the places most homeowners never check: inside wall voids, along slab penetrations, in attic framing, beneath the subfloor. Call and we will get it handled before the damage grows.
No treatment gets quoted before the inspection is done. That is not a formality - it is the only way to know what you are actually dealing with. A thorough inspection tells us whether termites are active, which species is present, how far the infestation has spread, and which areas of the structure are affected.
The technician examines the full foundation perimeter, accessible crawlspace and subfloor framing, slab penetrations, wall voids where reachable, and attic framing where entry is safe. The findings and the treatment cost are explained together, so you understand what we found and what we are recommending before any work is scheduled.
Real estate transactions in California frequently require a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection before a lender will approve the loan. This report, sometimes called a termite letter or clearance letter, documents the presence or absence of wood-destroying organisms across the property. The written report covers termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring and powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungus - all within the inspection context.
Timing matters with a closing, and we work to your deadline. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, a real estate agent coordinating multiple properties, or a lender requiring documentation, we get the inspection completed and the report turned around so the transaction stays on track.
Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule your inspection.
Southern California's warm, dry climate creates favorable conditions for drywood termites, and Pasadena is no exception. Drywood termites are common throughout the area, and the older wood-frame housing stock found across many Pasadena neighborhoods gives them plenty of opportunity. Subterranean termites are also present and attack from the soil rather than from within the wood.
Drywood termites are the trickier problem to spot. They leave no mud tubes and no soil contact. The signs - frass pellets and small kick-out holes - can be easy to overlook during a casual walkthrough. When a drywood infestation has spread through multiple areas of the structure, whole-structure fumigation (tenting) is the approach that covers the entire building at once. For smaller or more contained drywood activity, localized or spot treatment can address the problem without a full tent.
Subterranean termites work from the ground up. A liquid termiticide barrier treatment - trenching and treating the soil around and under the foundation - creates a treated zone they contact and carry back to the colony. Bait and monitoring stations placed around the property perimeter work alongside or in place of a liquid barrier to eliminate the colony over time.
A careful inspection is the only way to know which species is present and which treatment fits the situation. Local accountability means we earn the next job by doing this one right. Call (626) 226-4993 for a quote and we will walk you through what we find.
When drywood termites have spread through the walls, framing, and roof structure of a home, whole-structure fumigation covers every part of the building at once. The structure is tented and treated so no area is missed. Before the job begins, the technician explains exactly what preparation is needed: what to remove, how long to stay out, and what the re-entry process looks like. Products are applied according to label directions, and any questions about a specific product can be answered on the call.
For subterranean termites, a liquid termiticide barrier is the workhorse treatment. We trench and treat the soil around and under the foundation with a non-repellent termiticide, creating a treated zone that termites contact as they move through the soil. They carry the product back to the colony, which addresses the problem at the source. Foundation walls, the slab perimeter, and crawlspace areas are all part of this service. The colony handled right the first time means fewer callbacks and better long-term results.
In-ground bait stations are installed around the property perimeter and checked on a regular schedule. Termites find the stations during their normal foraging, take the bait back to the colony, and the colony declines over time. Bait systems also provide ongoing early-warning monitoring so new activity is caught before it spreads. They are often paired with a liquid barrier for properties with significant subterranean pressure. Pricing for bait systems is discussed on the call once we know the scope of the property.
Borate wood treatment is applied directly to accessible framing, crawlspace lumber, and exposed structural members. It is a practical option for new infestations in reachable wood and for protecting wood that has not yet been affected. For smaller, contained drywood infestations where full fumigation is not warranted, localized or spot treatment targets the specific area of activity. No guesswork on the termite. No shortcuts on the treatment. We've got your structure covered.
Builders and developers working in Pasadena and across Los Angeles County can schedule pre-construction soil treatment before a slab is poured. Treating the soil at this stage creates a termiticide zone beneath the foundation before the structure goes up, reducing subterranean termite access from day one. It is a straightforward step that is far easier to complete before construction than after.
Termite pressure does not stop at the front door of a single-family home. We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, real estate professionals, and commercial property owners throughout the Pasadena area.
Older craftsman bungalows and wood-frame homes common in Pasadena carry elevated drywood termite exposure simply because of how much accessible wood they contain. Multi-unit residential buildings, retail spaces, and office properties have their own inspection and documentation needs, and property managers often require minimal disruption and clear written reports. Work carried out by professionals who know this area means the inspection is done thoroughly and the findings are communicated clearly to whoever needs the information. Call (626) 226-4993 for a quote on your property.
Working this area has shown us what worried homeowners actually need to hear: treatment is not a one-time event. Termite pressure in Southern California is consistent, and a structure that was clear at the last inspection can show new activity the following year.
An annual inspection and monitoring plan keeps the structure checked on a regular schedule. Each year, a technician re-inspects the property for new activity. Bait stations are checked and replenished as part of ongoing monitoring. If new activity is found between scheduled visits, a follow-up retreatment visit addresses it directly. The plan is described factually and priced clearly when you call. Call today and let's protect the structure.
What sets our inspections apart is how thorough they are - and that thoroughness is what makes the pricing conversation honest. Treatment cost depends on the termite species, the size of the structure, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method the inspection supports. There is no single price that fits every situation.
You get the rate on the phone before anything is scheduled. The inspection findings and the treatment cost are explained together so you know exactly what we are recommending and what it covers. Ask what the price includes and you get a straight answer. Honest inspection. Straight pricing. Work that holds.
Call (626) 226-4993 for a quote.
Pasadena is our primary service city, and we cover the surrounding communities throughout Los Angeles County as well. Nearby areas we serve include Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, Temple City, Sierra Madre, Altadena, and La Canada Flintridge. If you are in the area and dealing with a termite problem, call and we will confirm service to your address.
The treatment method follows directly from what the inspection finds. Whole-structure fumigation is the right call when drywood termites have spread through multiple areas of the structure and localized treatment cannot reach every pocket of activity. A liquid termiticide barrier is the workhorse for subterranean termites entering from the soil, and it is not effective against drywood termites living inside the wood. An inspection is the only reliable way to confirm the species and the extent of the infestation before any treatment is chosen.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel up into structures through mud tubes, targeting wood that is accessible from below. Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they eat, with no soil contact, and are common in the warm, dry climate of Southern California. Dampwood termites require wood with elevated moisture content and are less common in Pasadena but can appear where water damage or drainage problems have affected structural wood. Identifying the species is the first step because each requires a different treatment approach.
A technician examines the full structure for mud tubes along the foundation, slab edges, and crawlspace framing, which indicate subterranean activity. Frass pellets, small kick-out holes in wood surfaces, and hollow-sounding wood when tapped are signs of drywood termite activity. The inspection also covers swarmers or discarded wings near light sources, wood damage to structural members, moisture conditions, and any wood-to-soil contact points that make the structure more vulnerable. The goal is to confirm whether termites are active, which species is present, and how far the infestation has spread.
In-ground bait stations are installed around the property perimeter at intervals that provide consistent coverage of the area termites are likely to forage. Termites find the stations during normal foraging activity, take the bait back to the colony, and the colony declines over time as the bait spreads through the population. Stations are checked on a regular schedule and refreshed as needed. Between scheduled visits, the stations also function as early-warning monitors so new activity is identified before it advances.
Bait systems can be used as a standalone treatment for subterranean termite activity, but they are often paired with a liquid termiticide barrier for properties with heavier infestation pressure or larger foundation perimeters. The combination provides both an immediate treated zone in the soil and ongoing colony-level reduction through the bait. Whether a bait system alone or a paired approach is appropriate depends on what the inspection finds. The technician explains the reasoning behind the recommendation before any work is scheduled.
Whole-structure fumigation, or tenting, involves sealing the structure and treating it with a gas that penetrates all the wood, including areas that are completely inaccessible to spot treatment. Before the job begins, the technician explains exactly what needs to be removed or bagged, how long the structure needs to remain unoccupied, and what the re-entry process looks like. Products are applied according to label directions, and the label directions cover re-entry timing and conditions. Any questions about a specific product can be answered on the call before the job is scheduled.
A liquid termiticide barrier is applied by trenching and treating the soil around and under the foundation with a non-repellent formulation. Because the product is non-repellent, termites do not detect or avoid the treated zone as they forage. They contact the product and carry it back through the colony, which addresses the infestation at the source rather than just at the point of entry. Foundation perimeters, slab edges, and crawlspace areas are covered as part of the application.
Borate wood treatment is applied directly to accessible framing, crawlspace lumber, and exposed structural members. It is effective for protecting wood that can be reached directly and for addressing new infestations in accessible areas. Localized or spot treatment addresses a drywood termite infestation that is contained to a specific area of the structure, where full fumigation is not warranted by the extent of the activity. The inspection determines whether the infestation is limited enough in scope for a targeted approach to be the right fit.
Pre-construction soil treatment involves applying a termiticide to the soil before a concrete slab is poured, creating a termite barrier beneath the foundation from the start. It is the most efficient point in the building process to establish that protection, because the soil is fully accessible before the structure goes up. Builders, developers, and property managers working on new residential or commercial construction in Pasadena and Los Angeles County can schedule this treatment at the appropriate stage of the build. Call (626) 226-4993 to discuss timing and scope.
DIY termite products are typically repellent formulations that termites detect and route around rather than contact. A professional liquid termiticide barrier uses non-repellent chemistry that termites move through without avoiding, which means the product reaches the colony rather than just the perimeter. Fumigation requires specialized equipment and licensing that is not available to homeowners. Professional treatment also starts with an inspection that confirms the species and the extent of the infestation, which is what makes the treatment selection accurate in the first place.
A liquid termiticide barrier treatment and bait station installation are each completed in a single visit once the inspection is done and the scope is confirmed. Whole-structure fumigation requires the structure to be unoccupied for a period that the technician explains in advance, and a clearance check confirms when re-entry is appropriate. Ongoing bait monitoring involves scheduled follow-up visits throughout the year. The number of visits for any given job is explained on the call before work begins.
The rate of damage depends on the species, the size of the colony, and the amount of accessible wood in the structure. A large, mature subterranean or Formosan termite colony can cause significant structural damage over months of undetected activity. Drywood termite colonies grow more slowly but can spread through multiple areas of a structure over time without any obvious external signs. The longer an active infestation goes unaddressed, the more costly the damage becomes, which is why acting on early signs matters.
Subterranean termites are drawn to moisture, and conditions near the foundation that retain water create favorable foraging conditions for them. Leaking pipes, poor drainage, clogged gutters, and irrigation systems that wet the soil against the foundation all contribute to elevated subterranean termite risk. Reducing wood-to-soil contact and addressing moisture problems does not eliminate termite pressure, but it removes conditions that make the structure more attractive to foraging colonies. The inspection covers conducive conditions alongside active termite signs.
Ready to protect the structure for good? Right Time Termite Company handles the full process: a thorough inspection to confirm the species and the extent of the problem, the right treatment matched to what we find, and an annual monitoring plan that keeps the structure checked year after year.
We are open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call (626) 226-4993 for a quote. Call today and let's protect the structure.
Every termite problem starts with the same question: what are we actually dealing with? We inspect first, confirm the species and how far the infestation has spread, and then match the treatment to what we find. Subterranean termites coming from the soil need a different approach than drywood termites living inside the wood, and choosing the wrong method wastes time and money. The table below lays out each treatment option, what it is best for, and what to expect from start to finish.
| Treatment Approach | How It Works | Ideal For | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bait and Monitoring System |
| Subterranean termites, used as a standalone treatment or paired with a liquid barrier on properties with heavier pressure | Multi-step process with scheduled monitoring visits throughout the year. Colony declines over time as bait spreads through the population. Stations also function as early-warning monitors between visits. |
| Annual Inspection and Monitoring |
| Any property that has been treated and needs ongoing protection, especially in Southern California where termite pressure is consistent year over year | Ongoing plan with one scheduled inspection per year plus monitoring visits for properties with bait stations. New activity found between visits is addressed directly. Plan is described and priced clearly on the call. |
| Whole-Structure Fumigation |
| Drywood termites that have spread through multiple areas of the structure where localized treatment cannot reach every pocket of activity | Requires the structure to be unoccupied for a period explained in advance. Single treatment event that covers the entire building at once. Products applied according to label directions. Re-entry timing follows label requirements. |
| Termite Inspection (including WDO) |
| Any homeowner with active or suspected termite activity, and real estate buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders requiring a wood-destroying organism report for a closing or refinance | Single visit. The WDO report covers termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring and powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungus. Findings and treatment cost are explained together before any work is scheduled. Reports for real estate closings are turned around to meet transaction deadlines. |
| Wood and Spot Treatment |
| Contained drywood termite infestations where full fumigation is not warranted, and accessible structural wood in crawlspaces or attic framing | Completed in a single visit for most applications. Best suited to infestations limited in scope and location. The inspection determines whether the activity is contained enough for this approach. |
| Liquid Termiticide BarrierMost Popular |
| Subterranean termites entering from the soil, including properties with active infestation or high soil-contact risk | Completed in a single treatment visit once the inspection is done. The treated zone in the soil provides long-lasting protection. An annual inspection confirms the barrier remains effective and checks for new activity. |
| Pre-Construction Soil Treatment |
| New residential and commercial construction where subterranean termite protection is established before the structure goes up | Single treatment at the pre-pour stage. Far easier to complete before construction than after. Builders and developers call to confirm timing and scope before scheduling. |
What do mud tubes mean, and where do they typically show up?
Mud tubes are the clearest visible sign of subterranean termite activity. Termites build them from soil, saliva, and debris to maintain moisture as they travel between the ground and the wood above. They appear most often along foundation walls, the slab perimeter, crawlspace beams, and any point where the structure meets the soil. Finding a mud tube does not tell you how far the infestation has spread, but it confirms subterranean termites are active and an inspection is the right next step.
How does a liquid termiticide barrier protect the foundation?
We trench the soil around and under the foundation and apply a non-repellent termiticide to create a treated zone. Because the product is non-repellent, termites move through it without detecting it and carry it back through the colony. The treatment addresses the infestation at the source rather than just at the point where termites enter the structure. Foundation perimeters, slab edges, and crawlspace areas are all covered as part of the application.
Right Treatment Matched to the Termite Species
Subterranean and drywood termites require completely different treatments. We confirm the species during the inspection and recommend only what the findings support.
How long does termite treatment protection last, and what does an annual inspection and monitoring plan cover?
The length of protection depends on the treatment method and the conditions at the property. A liquid termiticide barrier provides long-lasting protection in the soil, but annual inspections confirm the treated zone is intact and check for new activity. Bait and monitoring stations are checked and refreshed throughout the year as part of a monitoring plan. An annual inspection and monitoring plan means the structure is re-examined each year so new activity is found early, before it advances.
What happens if termite activity shows up between scheduled inspections?
If new activity is found between scheduled visits, a follow-up retreatment visit addresses it directly. The annual inspection and monitoring plan is not a single event and then done. Ongoing monitoring means we are checking the property on a regular schedule, and if something changes between visits, we respond to it. The specifics of how follow-up is handled are explained when the plan is described and priced on the call.
Do store-bought termite products handle an active infestation?
Store-bought termite products are typically repellent formulations. Termites detect repellent chemistry and route around it rather than contacting it, which means the product blocks movement in one area without addressing the colony. A professional liquid termiticide barrier uses non-repellent chemistry that termites move through without avoiding, so the product reaches the colony rather than just the perimeter. Fumigation requires equipment and licensing that is not available to homeowners. Treatment also starts with an inspection that confirms the species and the extent of the infestation, which is what makes the treatment selection accurate.
Fast Turnaround on Real Estate WDO Reports
We work to your closing deadline. The inspection is completed and the written report is turned around so the transaction stays on track.
How often should a home be inspected for termites?
A professional termite inspection once a year is the standard recommendation for properties in Southern California, where termite pressure is consistent. An annual inspection catches new activity early, before a colony has time to spread through structural wood. Properties that have been treated and are on a monitoring plan receive a scheduled inspection each year as part of that plan. Properties that have not been inspected recently are a reasonable candidate for an inspection regardless of whether visible signs are present.
What conducive conditions raise termite risk, and should they be addressed before treatment?
Subterranean termites are drawn to moisture and wood-to-soil contact. Conditions that raise risk include leaking pipes, poor drainage near the foundation, clogged gutters, irrigation systems that wet the soil against the slab, and structural wood that contacts the ground directly. Reducing these conditions does not eliminate termite pressure, but it removes the environment that makes foraging easier. The inspection covers conducive conditions alongside active termite signs, and the technician notes anything that should be addressed.
Do I need to leave the home during treatment, and does it depend on the treatment type?
Whether you need to leave depends on the method. Whole-structure fumigation requires the structure to be unoccupied for a period that the technician explains in advance, and a clearance check confirms when re-entry is appropriate based on label directions. A liquid termiticide barrier treatment and bait station installation do not typically require you to vacate the home, though the technician explains any preparation needed before work begins. Any questions about a specific product or re-entry timing can be answered on the call before the job is scheduled.
Annual Inspection and Monitoring Available
Treatment is not a one-time event in Southern California. We offer an annual inspection and monitoring plan that keeps the structure checked year after year so new activity is found early.
How is termite treatment priced, and what determines the cost?
Treatment cost depends on the termite species, the size of the structure, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method the inspection supports. There is no single price that fits every situation. You get the rate on the phone before anything is scheduled, and the inspection findings and treatment cost are explained together so you know exactly what we are recommending and what it covers. Ask what the price includes and you get a straight answer.
How soon can service start after I call?
Scheduling is discussed on the call once we know the property address and the situation. We work to your timeline, and for real estate transactions we work to the closing deadline. Call us at (626) 226-4993 and we will confirm availability and get the inspection on the calendar.
Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule an inspection and get a treatment quote matched to what we actually find at your property.
(626) 226-4993