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Several species of termites are known to attack homes throughout San Diego and Southern California. The most destructive are Subterranean termites, including the highly aggressive Formosan termite. These termites typically remain hidden, but are often identified by the mud tubes they build along foundations or wood surfaces - structures that allow them to travel while maintaining the moisture they need to survive.
No need to stress - our licensed inspectors are trained and fully qualified to identify and control all types of Subterranean termite infestations. Proper identification is always the first step. From there, we develop a customized treatment plan designed to effectively eliminate the termites and protect your home from further damage.
Subterranean termites build their primary nests in the soil, then expand into structures to reach wood and other cellulose-based materials. Because the “root” of the problem is typically in the ground, effective control usually focuses on either (1) stopping termites from entering the structure or (2) eliminating the colony’s ability to feed and survive.
In modern termite control, there are three main approaches that can be used alone or combined, depending on the structure, construction type (slab vs. raised foundation), and the level of activity found during the inspection:
Pre-construction protection may include a soil treatment and/or physical barrier installation. Post-construction treatments commonly involve trenching and treating soil around the foundation, or drilling and injecting where needed (for example, along slab edges, bath traps, expansion joints, or other risk areas). Because correct placement and coverage matter, these treatments should be performed by a licensed pest control company with the proper equipment and training.
The Sentricon Termite Control System uses a series of bait stations installed around the perimeter of the home. The stations are monitored on a schedule, and when termite activity is detected, the bait is replaced with a termite-active material intended to reduce or eliminate the colony over time. Baiting can be a great option when you want minimal drilling and a lower-impact approach, but it does require ongoing monitoring and it can take time to see full results.
Termidor is a liquid termiticide applied to the soil around the structure to create a treated zone that termites cannot successfully cross. This is typically done by trenching and treating the soil along the foundation, and in some cases drilling and injecting through concrete where termites are likely to enter. Liquid soil treatments are often chosen when there is confirmed activity and you want strong, long-lasting protection around the structure.
Altriset is another professional liquid soil treatment option, but it works differently than many traditional termiticides. Its active ingredient, chlorantraniliprole, targets termite muscles by acting on ryanodine receptors, which can quickly interfere with feeding as the termites’ mouthparts and muscles become impaired. Exposed termites may stop feeding within hours, and because the product has delayed effects, they can still move and interact with other termites for a period of time - helping increase exposure within the colony.
Physical barriers are designed to block termite entry without pesticides. These are most commonly installed during construction, but certain exclusion upgrades can also be used in existing structures depending on access and design. Common examples include:
During your inspection, we’ll recommend the best approach based on your construction type, termite pressure in the area, and what we find (active infestation vs. preventative protection). In many cases, a combination - like correcting moisture issues plus either baiting or a liquid soil treatment - provides the best long-term results.
Here are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of Subterranean termites around your home. While no property can be guaranteed “termite-proof,” good maintenance and moisture control go a long way toward making your home less attractive to termite activity. If you notice mud tubes, damaged wood, or any signs of infestation, contact us right away so we can address it before it spreads and causes more damage.
Formosan termites are a more aggressive type of subterranean termite. Like other subterranean termites, they can build mud tubes and start from the soil - but what makes Formosans different is how quickly they can grow and how adaptable they are once they get established inside a structure.
Compared to “typical” subterranean termites, Formosan colonies can become larger, spread faster, and cause heavier damage in a shorter period of time. They’re also known for building carton material (a packed mix of wood, soil, and moisture) and, in some cases, creating aerial colonies when a dependable water source is available (roof leaks, plumbing leaks, wet wall voids, etc.). That’s one reason Formosan control is often more involved - if the moisture source remains, the termites can keep thriving even when the perimeter is treated.
For most homes, Formosan control is handled using the same professional tools used for subterranean termites, but with a more aggressive strategy and tighter follow-up. The goal is to stop entry, reduce colony pressure, and remove the conditions that allow them to persist.
If Formosan termites are suspected or confirmed, the best results usually come from a combined plan - addressing moisture and construction vulnerabilities while using a proven professional treatment approach (liquid soil treatment, baiting, and/or targeted applications where needed).
