Have you ever heard a tiny scratching noise and shrugged it off? Or been told “termite treatment is a scam” by a neighbor and nodded along? What if that quiet scratch is the first sign of a problem that could cost you thousands, and what if the “fix” your cousin swears by makes things worse?

If you live in the Bay Area, those conversations matter because termites thrive where moisture, mild winters, and wood structures meet. In this blog, we’ll cut through some common myths, answer the direct questions Bay Area homeowners (and commercial property managers) ask most, and give you a practical playbook for protecting your property.

Myth #1 - “Termites only go after old, rotting wood.”

Reality: Termites can and will attack sound wood. Drywood and subterranean termites can eat structural lumber, trim, furniture, and more. By the time the rot becomes visible, the colony may already be well-established. 

What to Watch For: Mud tubes in crawlspaces, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windowsills, and fine “sawdust” or frass near baseboards.

Myth #2 - “If I don’t see termites, I don’t have to worry.”

Reality: Termites are called silent destroyers for a reason. They often work inside walls, under floors, and behind trim. Visible signs usually appear only in the later stages. Annual inspections are the only reliable way to know your status, and they also allow you to catch the infestation in the bud.

Quick Action: Schedule a thorough termite inspection with your trusted termite control company before accepting an offer on a house, and renew annually if you live in or near coastal California.

Myth #3 - “Homeowner’s insurance covers termite damage.”

Reality: Most standard homeowner policies explicitly exclude termite damage as a preventable maintenance issue. That means you will have to pay for treatment and repairs from your own pocket. Prevention and inspections are often cheaper than repairs.

Myth #4 - “DIY treatments are just as good as professional service.”

Reality: DIY treatments can knock down visible insects and maybe help with prevention but they do not eliminate the colony or address the underlying entry points and conducive conditions. Licensed professionals use integrated approaches like targeted baiting, trenching, soil treatments, localized repairs, and ongoing monitoring, which are backed by guarantees and regulatory training.

Also Read: Why DIY Termite Damage Repair is not a Good Idea

Myth #5 - “Termite control chemicals are too toxic for urban use.”

Reality: Modern termite control consists of a range of options, including baits, localized liquid treatments, borate-treated wood, and targeted fumigation. Licensed termite control companies follow state rules (California’s regulatory bodies’ requirements and label directions), but if you are still concerned, you can talk to the company professional to help minimize exposure and choose the least invasive yet effective method.

Myth #6 - “Wood removed after termite damage doesn’t need testing.”

Reality: Replacing or repairing damaged wood without identifying the species and colony location is a short-term fix. Checking the damaged wood can reveal the type of termite infestation. This helps determine the right treatment since Drywood termites and subterranean termites behave differently. A professional inspection also determines whether structural repairs alone suffice or if a colony still needs elimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are termites common in the Bay Area?
 A: Yes. Coastal and Bay Area climates support both drywood and subterranean termites. Local pest professionals report regular activity across Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and surrounding counties. Regular inspections are strongly recommended.

Q: How much should treatment cost in the Bay Area?
 A: Costs vary by treatment, type and severity. Nationwide averages put repairs at around $3,000, but localized Bay Area costs depend on access, structural complexity, and whether repairs are needed in addition to treatment. Always get multiple, itemized estimates and ask for warranty terms.

Q: How fast can termites cause major damage?
 A: Colonies can consume significant wood in months to years; a single colony can damage a section of a 2x4 in several months. Early detection and treatment closes that window.

Commercial Buildings - What’s Different and What to Do

Many homeowners think that concern about termites applies only to houses. But commercial properties, multi-tenant buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and historic restorations have special risks and require different strategies:

• Scale and Access: Commercial structures are larger and often have concealed voids like drop ceilings, planter boxes and shared utility chases that let termites spread unseen. Regular, thorough inspections are critical to identify any budding infestation before it spreads.
• Business Interruption: Large-scale termite control for commercial buildings, like fumigation, can require tenant relocation or temporary closures. Hence, you will need to factor in interruption costs while deciding on the treatment. Ask termite control professionals for logistical plans and timeline estimates. 
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): For commercial properties, IPM and scheduled monitoring stations (bait systems) reduce long-term risk and allow documentation for lenders and insurers. Multi-year service contracts like a full-structure termite warranty with re-inspection and retreatment clauses are common.
• WDO Reports &Compliance: Municipal permits, building inspections, and lender requirements often need a formal wood-destroying organism (WDO) report for commercial transactions. Choose licensed termite companies experienced with commercial WDOs.

Also Read: A Guide to Prevention of Drywood Termites

How Professionals Treat Termites 

• Bait Systems: Bait stations with termiticide-laced wood are placed around the perimeter; termites feed on the bait and share it with the colony. Good for monitoring and long-term control. 
• Soil Treatments (Liquid Barriers): Termiticide mixed with soil is applied in trenches around foundations to form a treated zone. Effective for subterranean termites when done correctly. 
• Localized Wood Treatments (Borates, Orange Oil): Used when infestation is limited to accessible pieces of wood.
• Fumigation: Ideal for severe drywood termite infestations in entire structures. This treatment requires evacuation and regulatory compliance.

If You Find Termites Right Now -Step-by-Step

1. Don’t panic. Document the findings (photos, location).
2. Call a licensed termite control professional and schedule an inspection.
3. Get a written treatment and repair estimate that separates the two costs.
4. Ask for treatment options, timeline, expected outcomes, and warranty details.
5. Schedule follow-up inspections — a one-time treatment without monitoring is a gamble.

HiTech Termite Control

Termites are quiet, persistent, and expensive if ignored — but they’re beatable. The smartest step you can take is partnering with a trusted local expert who understands the unique challenges of Bay Area termite control for commercial buildings and residential properties alike.

Our team offers comprehensive inspections, advanced treatment solutions, and a 3-year full-structure termites warranty that Bay Area property owners can rely on. Schedule a free estimate for termite inspection with us here.