Termite inspection and treatment in the South Bay, Los Angeles. Section 1 and Section 2 reports, drywood and subterranean treatment, and escrow-grade documentation. Paragon Home Services serves Redondo Beach, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, and all South Bay cities.
Termite reports are required at almost every South Bay real estate transaction, and the industry has earned a reputation for finding work where there isn't any. Paragon delivers escrow-grade Structural Pest Control Board-compliant reports with documented evidence — photos, moisture readings, and exact locations — so you know what's actually there. We treat drywood and subterranean termites with targeted local treatments where appropriate, and full structural fumigation only when conditions warrant.
II.WHY IT MATTERS
What a Real Termite Report Tells You
Section 1 vs Section 2
Section 1 items are active infestations or conditions that have caused damage — these typically need treatment before close of escrow. Section 2 items are conditions likely to lead to infestation (excessive moisture, earth-to-wood contact, missing ventilation) — these are recommended but not always required. Many companies inflate Section 1 to drive treatment volume.
Drywood vs Subterranean
Drywood termites colonize directly inside dry wood — typically eaves, attics, and exposed framing. They produce visible 'frass' (sawdust-like pellets). Subterranean termites travel from soil into wood via mud tubes — found at foundation contact points. The treatment differs entirely: local injection or fumigation for drywood; soil treatment or bait stations for subterranean.
Local Treatment vs Fumigation
Most drywood infestations are localized and respond to spot injection treatment with borate or non-repellent termiticide. Full structural fumigation (tenting) is appropriate when infestations are widespread or inaccessible. Many companies recommend tenting reflexively because it's more profitable — we recommend the targeted approach when conditions support it.
III.PROCESS
Our Termite Service Process
01Comprehensive inspection — interior, exterior, attic, crawlspace, and accessible structural elements; moisture readings at all suspect areas.
02Documented Section 1 and Section 2 report — Structural Pest Control Board-compliant report with photos, locations, and treatment recommendations.
03Treatment proposal — targeted local treatment where appropriate, or fumigation if infestation scope warrants.
04Treatment execution — drywood spot treatment with borate or termiticide, subterranean treatment with soil application or bait stations, or full structural fumigation as scoped.
05Damaged wood replacement — Section 1 wood members removed and replaced (sill plates, fascia, siding) with treated lumber.
06Re-inspection and clearance — final inspection and clearance letter for escrow or insurance purposes.
IV.CAPABILITIES
Termite Capabilities
Real estate (escrow) termite inspection and report
Standard termite inspection and report
Drywood termite local injection treatment
Subterranean termite soil treatment
Termite bait station systems
Full structural fumigation (when warranted)
Damaged-wood replacement (Section 1 corrections)
Earth-to-wood contact remediation
Crawlspace ventilation correction
Annual termite inspection program
Wood-destroying organism inspection (WDO)
Clearance letters and re-inspection
V.FAQ
Termite Inspection — Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a termite report to sell my house?
Most California real estate transactions require a Structural Pest Control Board-compliant termite report, and lenders typically require Section 1 items to be cleared before close of escrow. Even when not strictly required, most buyers and their agents request one. We deliver escrow-grade reports turned around within 1–3 business days.
Do I have to tent my house if I have termites?
Often no. Localized drywood infestations frequently respond to spot injection treatment. Tenting is appropriate when infestations are widespread, inaccessible, or in colony locations that local treatment can't reach. We assess the scope honestly and recommend the targeted approach when conditions support it.
How often should I have a termite inspection?
Every 1–2 years for most South Bay homes is appropriate. Properties with prior infestation history, heavy wood-to-soil contact, or high moisture in crawlspaces benefit from annual inspection. Coastal homes with eucalyptus or palm in proximity see higher drywood pressure and warrant annual checks.
What does termite treatment cost?
Localized drywood spot treatment for a typical infestation runs $400–$1,200. Subterranean soil treatment or bait station installation runs $1,500–$3,500 for an average single-family home. Full structural fumigation runs $1,800–$4,500+ depending on home size. Damaged-wood replacement is separate and depends on Section 1 scope. We provide fixed quotes after inspection.
VI.THE PARAGON DIFFERENCE
The Work
Termite inspections, escrow termite reports, drywood and subterranean treatment, and damaged-wood replacement.
The Paragon Difference
Escrow-grade Section 1 reports without the upsell pressure that gives termite companies a bad reputation.
