Frequently Asked Questions

If you're noticing unexplained wood damage, discarded wings, mud tubes, or tiny pellets resembling sawdust, you may have termites. Termites are often called "silent destroyers" because they can cause significant structural damage before you even notice them. In Southern California, both subterranean and drywood termites are common and require different treatment approaches. The best way to determine if you have termites is to schedule a free inspection with a licensed expert from Jetty Termite & Pest. Our certified inspectors are trained to identify termite activity and provide a customized treatment plan to protect your home or business. Don’t wait—early detection is key to preventing costly damage.

At Jetty Termite & Pest, we offer free termite inspections for homeowners throughout Southern California. Our licensed inspectors conduct a thorough evaluation of your property, checking for signs of both drywood and subterranean termite activity, as well as any related wood damage. If you're in escrow or need an inspection report for real estate purposes, we also provide WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection reports for a nominal fee. Whether you're seeing signs of termites or just want peace of mind, Jetty Termite & Pest delivers accurate, professional inspections with no obligation.

A Real Estate or Escrow Inspection—also known as a WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection—is a specialized inspection required during the sale or refinancing of a property. At Jetty Termite & Pest, our licensed inspectors thoroughly evaluate the structure for signs of termites, dry rot, fungus damage, and other wood-destroying organisms. We provide a detailed inspection report that meets California real estate transaction requirements, including any necessary recommendations for treatment or repairs. Timely and professional, our escrow inspections help buyers, sellers, and agents move through the process with confidence. Serving Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas, Jetty Termite & Pest is a trusted partner in real estate pest inspections.

Drywood termite droppings—also known as frass—are a key indicator of an infestation. These droppings look like small, hard, pellet-shaped granules, typically tan, brown, or black in color. They are about 1mm long, uniform in size, and often resemble coffee grounds or coarse sand. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest, so they push their droppings out of tiny holes near kick-out points or damaged wood. If you’re noticing small piles of this type of debris around windowsills, baseboards, or attic spaces, it may be time to schedule a free termite inspection with Jetty Termite & Pest. Our licensed inspectors will identify the source and provide effective treatment options to protect your property. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Yes. At Jetty Termite & Pest, we provide professional wood repair services to restore damage caused by termites, dry rot, and wood-destroying organisms. Our licensed team specializes in identifying and replacing compromised structural and cosmetic wood components to protect your home or business from further deterioration. Our wood repair services include: • Removal and replacement of termite-damaged wood • Dry rot and fungus damage repairs • Eave, fascia, trim, siding, and deck board replacement • Surface treatments to prevent future infestations • Pre-paint priming and sealing for long-lasting results By combining termite treatment and wood repair under one roof, Jetty Termite & Pest ensures that your property is both pest-free and structurally sound. We serve Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas with quality craftsmanship and honest service you can trust.

Subterranean termite mud tubes are thin, mud-like tunnels about the width of a pencil—typically 1/4 to 1 inch wide—and are often found along foundation walls, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, or wood framing. These tubes are constructed from soil, saliva, and termite droppings and serve as protective highways for termites to travel between their underground colony and your home. Their appearance is rough and earthy, often resembling dried, cracked mud. If you spot these mud tubes around your property, it’s a strong sign of an active infestation. Contact Jetty Termite & Pest right away for a free termite inspection. Our licensed technicians will assess the damage and recommend proven treatment options to eliminate the threat and protect your structure. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Southern California is home to several destructive termite species, including: • Subterranean Termites – Live underground and invade structures from the soil. • Drywood Termites – Infest dry wood in attics, framing, and furniture. • Dampwood Termites – Found in moist or decaying wood, especially near coastal areas. Our licensed inspectors identify the species and customize treatment plans accordingly.

Look for these warning signs: • Mud tubes along foundation walls (subterranean termites) • Small piles of sawdust-like material (drywood frass) • Hollow-sounding wood when tapped • Bubbling or uneven paint • Swarmers (winged termites) near windows or lights If you notice any of these, schedule a professional inspection right away — termite damage often starts long before you see it.

Yes. Termites are a year-round problem here due to the region’s mild climate. Warm temperatures and coastal humidity allow them to stay active even in winter. That’s why annual inspections are critical for early detection and prevention.

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually in the U.S., and repairs are rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance. A single colony can consume wood 24/7, weakening structural framing and drywall. Early detection through Jetty’s inspections saves money and prevents costly structural repairs.

Jetty Termite & Pest Control offers multiple targeted solutions: • Localized spot treatments for small infestations • Full-structure fumigation for widespread drywood activity • Soil treatments or bait systems for subterranean termites • Wood treatments and borate applications for prevention Every treatment is designed to protect your home safely and effectively, following California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) standards.

Not always. Tent fumigation is recommended for widespread drywood termite infestations that have spread into multiple parts of the home. If the activity is localized, Jetty Pest may recommend a non-tenting solution such as heat, foam, or spot treatment.

Treatment time depends on the method: • Local or spot treatments: 1–3 hours • Full fumigation: 2–3 days (including aeration) • Subterranean soil treatments: Typically completed in one visit Our inspectors explain the timeline, preparation steps, and re-entry times before starting any service.

It’s easy to confuse them, but here’s how to tell: • Termites: Straight antennae, equal-length wings, thick waist • Ants: Elbowed antennae, shorter hind wings, narrow waist If you’re unsure, our licensed inspectors can identify the pest during a free inspection.

They can, especially if moisture or untreated wood remains. That’s why we include follow-up inspections and preventive maintenance plans to ensure long-term protection. Proper sealing, moisture control, and yearly checks are key to keeping your home termite-free.

• Locally owned and trusted across Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties • Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians • Family- and pet-safe termite control solutions • Free inspections and guaranteed service • Decades of combined experience in California’s toughest termite environments Jetty Pest combines local expertise with proven science to keep your home termite-free for the long term.