Have questions about termites?

Frequently Asked Questions

Termite Control FAQs – San Jose, CA & Surrounding Areas

Termites are a serious threat to homes in San Jose and across the Bay Area. Whether you’ve spotted warning signs or just want peace of mind, our local termite experts have answers to the most common termite control questions. From identifying termite damage to understanding how fast termites multiply, this guide covers everything homeowners need to know. Ready for help? Contact our San Jose termite control team for a free inspection today.

Drywood vs. Subterranean – Know the Difference

Did you know different types of termites cause different types of damage? In this FAQ, we explain the key differences between drywood termites and subterranean termites, including how they invade, where they live, and which treatment works best. Understanding your enemy is the first step to protecting your home from costly termite damage. Browse the questions below—or call us for expert termite identification and treatment.

Answers to the Most Common Termite Questions

What do termites look like? How do I know if I have termites? Can termites come back after treatment? We hear these questions every day—and we’re here to answer them. This FAQ breaks down everything homeowners need to know about termites, from early warning signs to long-term prevention. Whether you’re seeing flying termites or strange wood damage, you’ll find quick, clear answers right here.

Q: 🐜 How much damage can termites do before you even notice them?

A: Yes—and that’s why termite infestations are so dangerous. Termites chew wood 24/7, but they do it silently. Entire termite colonies can live behind your walls, floors, or ceilings for months without any obvious signs. By the time you notice termite damage, like warped wood or bubbling paint, the infestation may already be extensive. A professional termite inspection is the best way to catch them early.

Q: Can a termite colony live inside your walls without making a sound?

A: We conduct thorough inspections to locate entry points where rodents may be gaining access to your home or business. We meticulously examine both interior and exterior areas, scanning low and high-traffic areas such as kitchen cabinets, baseboards, and air vents. Additionally, we assess exterior spaces, including gaps in the foundation, around the garage, and near pipes, gas lines, or electrical wiring.

Q: 🏠 Is tenting always necessary for termite treatment?

A: No, tenting isn’t always required. Tenting (fumigation) is typically used for drywood termites when the infestation is widespread or difficult to access. For localized infestations, spot treatments, orange oil, or heat methods may be effective alternatives. However, only a licensed termite inspector can determine the best treatment based on the extent and type of infestation.

(See our How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation page for more information)

Q: 🔢 How many termites are in a colony?

A: A single termite colony can contain up to two million termites. That’s two million wood-destroying insects silently eating your home from the inside out. Subterranean termite colonies grow rapidly and can spread through the soil beneath your foundation, infesting multiple areas at once. The larger the colony, the faster the damage. Early termite control is essential.

Q: 😴 Do termites ever sleep?

Termites never sleep. They eat constantly—day and night, 365 days a year. That’s why termite damage can escalate so quickly. Whether it’s drywood termites inside your attic or subterranean termites below your foundation, these pests are always active. If left untreated, their nonstop feeding can compromise the safety of your home’s structure.

Q: ⏱️ How long do I have to be out of my house during termite fumigation?

A: You’ll typically need to vacate your home for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the fumigation process and the size of the property. Your fumigator will give you a timeline and let you know when it’s safe to return after the home has been fully ventilated and tested for safety.

(See our How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation page for more information)

Q: ⏱️ How long does it take termites to destroy a home?

A: Termites can cause serious structural damage in as little as six months. A large, undetected colony can weaken support beams, floor joists, and other critical areas. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and even unsafe living conditions. Scheduling routine termite inspections is the best defense against long-term damage.

Q: 🔄 Can termites return after treatment?

A: Yes—if termite treatment isn’t done correctly or if ongoing prevention is neglected, termites can come back. Subterranean termites are especially persistent, building new mud tubes and finding new entry points. That’s why using a licensed termite control company and scheduling annual inspections is vital for long-term protection.

Q: 🐶 Is termite fumigation safe for my family and pets?

A: Yes—when done properly by licensed professionals, fumigation is completely safe. You, your family, and your pets will be required to leave the home during the process. Before re-entry, the home is thoroughly ventilated and tested to ensure no trace of fumigant remains in the air.

(See our How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation page for more information)

Q: 🏠 How do termites get inside your house?

A: Termites can enter your home through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch. Subterranean termites travel through the soil and build mud tubes to access wood structures, while drywood termites fly in through attic vents or gaps in siding. Sealing entry points and removing wood-to-soil contact are important steps in termite prevention.

Q: Can termites eat through concrete?

A: Termites can’t eat concrete, but they can squeeze through tiny cracks to reach wood behind it. Subterranean termites are known to exploit foundation gaps, expansion joints, and plumbing penetrations to access wooden framing. That’s why even homes with concrete slabs are at risk of termite infestations.

Q: ⛄ Are termites active in winter?

Yes—termites remain active year-round. During cold months, subterranean termites move deeper underground or seek shelter inside warm homes, continuing to feed. Drywood termites, already nesting in walls or attics, don’t slow down either. Don’t assume winter means a break—termite damage can happen in any season.

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for fumigation?

A: Preparation includes bagging food and medications, arranging temporary accommodations, trimming vegetation near the home, and securing valuables. You’ll also need to coordinate with your gas company to turn off and restore gas service. Your termite company will provide a complete prep checklist.

(See our How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation page for more information)

Q: 🔄 Can termites come back after fumigation?

A: Fumigation eliminates all termites in the structure at the time of treatment, but it doesn’t prevent future infestations. That’s why ongoing prevention and inspections are recommended. Discuss post-fumigation protection plans with us to keep your home termite-free.

Q: 🧼 Does fumigation leave any residue?

A: No. The gases used during fumigation, such as sulfuryl fluoride, leave no residue on furniture, clothing, or surfaces. Once your home is cleared for re-entry, it’s safe to resume daily life without the need for deep cleaning.

Need more help?

If you didn't see your question answered here, or you have decided that bringing in an expert to take care of your termite problem is the best solution for you, give us a call us at (408) 921-2192 or fill out the form below.