San Francisco Bay, San Jose, and East Bay Area

Two species do almost all the damage. Subterranean termites live in colonies underground and access homes through mud tubes built up the foundation — they're the most destructive species in California because of their colony size and feeding speed. Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they're eating — usually in attics, eaves, exposed framing, and furniture — and don't need contact with soil. The two require very different treatments, which is why proper identification during inspection is critical.

WDO stands for Wood-Destroying Organisms. In California, a WDO inspection is the standard report covering termites, dry rot, wood-decaying fungus, and the conditions that lead to them. WDO inspections are most often ordered during real estate transactions — many California buyers, lenders, and VA/FHA loan programs require a WDO report before closing. Sellers frequently order one preemptively to know what's there before listing. You can also order one any time, in or out of escrow, for peace of mind. Banner is a state-licensed structural pest operator and produces official WDO reports.

On a California WDO report, findings are split to make clear what's urgent versus preventive. Section 1 items are active infestations or damage that need immediate correction — live termites, current termite damage, active fungus growth, dry rot. Section 2 items are conditions likely to lead to infestation if left alone — earth-to-wood contact, plumbing leaks, poor ventilation, faulty grading, cellulose debris under the house. In real estate deals, Section 1 items typically need to be cleared before close of escrow; Section 2 items are usually negotiated between buyer and seller. Your Banner inspector will walk you through every finding and explain what's required versus recommended.

It depends on where the termites are and how widespread the infestation is. Local (spot) treatment — drilling and injecting termiticide directly into the affected area — works well when the infestation is contained to one or two spots and we can access them fully. Tent fumigation (whole-structure treatment) is used when drywood termites are spread across the home or hiding in places spot treatment can't reach. For subterranean termites we typically use perimeter trenching and rodding or installed bait stations — not fumigation. Banner inspects first and recommends the treatment that actually solves your specific problem, not the default upsell.

Not always. Most homeowners we see can be treated with localized methods if the infestation is caught early or contained to specific areas. Tenting is reserved for widespread drywood infestations that have spread across the structure to spots that can't be accessed individually. When tenting is necessary, you and your family (plus pets and houseplants) leave for 2–3 days while the gas does its work; food and medicine items go in special bags. Banner walks you through the full prep and coordinates the fumigation with our specialty partners.

Cost varies widely based on the species, the size of your home, severity of the infestation, and treatment type. As rough guidelines: localized spot treatments for limited infestations typically range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars; whole-structure fumigation for a Bay Area single-family home generally falls in the $2,500–$5,000+ range depending on cubic footage and complexity. We provide a free, no-obligation inspection and detailed written estimate before any work happens, so you know the exact number for your specific home — not a generic ballpark.

Yes. Every termite treatment comes with a one-year warranty that includes an annual re-inspection and free re-treatment if termites return in the treated area during the warranty period. You can extend coverage on an annual renewal basis after the first year to maintain ongoing protection — worth considering for Bay Area neighborhoods where subterranean termite pressure is high and adjacent properties often share colonies. The warranty is what keeps you covered if termites re-emerge from outside the treatment area.