Termites are quiet, persistent, and can wreak havoc if you ignore them. That’s why every good termite extermination process begins with a thorough termite inspection. The goal isn’t to spray first and ask questions later; it’s to identify the species (subterranean, drywood, or dampwood), find the active zones, and pick the least-disruptive termite treatment that actually wipes out the colony.

These tiny pests cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S., and most insurance policies don’t cover it. That’s why understanding how exterminators get rid of termites, and when to schedule inspections, is key for both homeowners and homebuyers.

How to Get Rid of Termites

It is possible to get rid of termites in your home. You should follow the following steps of the termite extermination process:

Step 1: The Termite Inspection to Find the Source

Before any treatment begins, exterminators perform a detailed termite inspection for home purchase or general maintenance. The process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your property.

Here’s what pros do during an inspection:

  • Visual assessment: Checking walls, baseboards, attics, and crawl spaces for termite tubes, droppings, damaged wood, or discarded wings.
  • Use of detection tools: Moisture meters, borescopes, and thermal cameras help locate hidden colonies behind walls or foundations.
  • Identifying the species: Drywood and subterranean termites require different treatment methods, so accurate identification is crucial.

At Elite Inspections, our licensed inspectors combine traditional inspection techniques with advanced technology for maximum accuracy, especially in California’s dry, termite-prone climate.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Treatment Plan

Once termites are confirmed, exterminators create a custom treatment plan tailored to your home’s layout, infestation level, and termite species. Common options include:

Liquid Soil Treatments (Barriers)

This treatment plan is used primarily for subterranean termites. The exterminator applies a liquid termiticide in the soil around your foundation. This forms a kill zone for termites. Non-repellent chemicals are most effective because they eliminate colonies by transferring them.

Termite Bait Stations

Installed strategically around your home, bait stations lure termites with cellulose treated with a slow-acting ingredient. Foragers bring it back to the colony, wiping it out over time. These systems also serve as continuous monitoring tools, making them ideal for prevention.

Fumigation (Tenting)

If you’re wondering how often you should tent for termites in California, the answer depends on your home’s condition and history. Most drywood termite infestations require fumigation every 3–5 years, though annual inspections can reduce that need.

During fumigation, the entire home is sealed and filled with a gas that penetrates deep into wood structures, killing all termite life stages.

Heat Treatment

It is a chemical-free option where exterminators raise the internal temperature of the affected area (usually 120°F–140°F) to kill termites and their eggs. It’s the same-day and eco-friendly, but best for localized infestations.

Wood and Spot Treatments

For smaller infestations, technicians may inject foam or borate solutions directly into affected wood. Borates not only kill termites but also make the wood resistant to future attacks.

Step 3: Post-Treatment Prevention

After extermination, the focus shifts to prevention, keeping termites from returning. Exterminators may recommend:

  • Fixing leaks and drainage issues (termites love moisture).
  • Keeping wood piles, mulch, and cardboard away from your foundation.
  • Maintaining a 6-inch soil gap below exterior wood siding.
  • Scheduling regular termite inspections every 2–3 years, or annually if your home has a history of infestations.

What Determines the Treatment Plan

  • Species & severity: Subterranean vs. drywood, spot activity vs. multiple colonies.
  • Access & construction: Slab vs. raised foundation, crawl space clearance, multiple stories.
  • Home size: More linear footage or square footage = more product/labor.
  • Follow-up needs: Bait-station monitoring, re-inspections, and moisture-control recommendations.

After Treatment: Prevention That Actually Works

  • Control moisture: Fix roof, plumbing, and irrigation leaks. Keep gutters/downspouts clear and divert water away from the foundation.
  • Mind the soil line: Maintain a 6-inch gap between soil and wood siding; avoid wood-to-soil contact.
  • Store wood smart: Keep firewood, lumber, and mulch off the ground and away from the house.
  • Ventilate well: Especially attics and crawl spaces; consider vapor barriers where appropriate.
  • Schedule checkups: Annual (or biannual) inspections catch problems early before they become expensive.

Key Takeaway

Exterminators don’t just “spray and pray.” The termite extermination process involves detailed inspection, species identification, and customized termite treatments, such as liquid barriers for subterranean termites, fumigation or heat for drywood termites, and borate or bait systems for prevention.

Book a termite inspection with Elite Inspections. We’ll diagnose the problem, explain your options, and help you choose the treatment that actually solves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do exterminators actually get rid of termites during the inspection? Not usually. The termite inspection is the first step; it is about identifying the problem, the type of termites, and the damage. Treatment happens after the inspection, once the exterminator determines the best plan.
  2. What is the most effective way to get rid of subterranean termites? The most effective method is a liquid soil treatment using non-repellent termiticides. It creates an invisible barrier that termites can’t detect, killing the entire colony through transfer.
  3. Is fumigation necessary for all types of termite infestations? No, fumigation is mainly used for drywood termites that live deep inside wood. Subterranean termites, which nest underground, are usually treated with soil barriers or bait systems instead.
  4. How long does termite treatment usually take to work? It depends on the method. Liquid treatments start killing within days, while bait systems may take a few weeks to eliminate the colony. Fumigation and heat treatments work almost immediately.
  5. Can I get rid of termites myself with DIY products? Unfortunately, no. DIY sprays or foams may kill a few visible termites, but they won’t reach hidden colonies. Only professional-grade treatments applied by licensed exterminators can fully eradicate and prevent future infestations.