A Day in the Life of a Termite Inspector in San Jose

One of our licensed termite inspectors on the job in Sunol

At Good Sense Termite, we like to say termites never sleep—and neither do we (well, almost). Our team of certified termite inspectors is out in the field every day, working across San Jose to uncover infestations before they become full-blown disasters.

But what does a typical day look like for a termite inspector in one of California’s most termite-prone cities?

Come along—we’ll take you behind the scenes.

☀️ 7:30 AM – Our Termite Inspectors Gear Up, Grab Coffee, Review the Day’s Stops

Most of our mornings start early, especially during termite swarming season in spring, when appointments stack up fast. Inspectors check their schedules, review client notes, and grab their essentials: probe sticks, flashlights, inspection tags, and field sheets.

With neighborhoods like Willow Glen, Evergreen, and Almaden Valley on today’s list, there’s a high chance we’ll be seeing both Drywood and Subterranean termites before lunch.

🏚️ 9:00 AM – First Stop: A 1950s Home in Rose Garden

This homeowner recently noticed small piles of what looked like sawdust under a window sill—classic Drywood termite frass. We inspect the attic and wall studs, tapping gently along beams and using expertise to check for vulnerable spots.

Sure enough, there's localized activity. We’ll recommend spot treatment as an option now, and possibly fumigation if the homeowner doesn’t mind moving out.

“Many San Jose homes were built before modern termite prevention methods existed,” explains Jameson, one of our senior inspectors. “Drywood colonies can live undetected for years.”

🧱 11:30 AM – Commercial Property in Downtown San Jose

Next up: a multi-unit office building where a maintenance worker found mud tubes near the foundation. That’s a major red flag for Subterranean termites.

Upon thorough visual inspection, we follow the tubes up into the wall voids. The colony likely extends further than we can detect without opening walls, so we’ll recommend a baiting system around the property perimeter and continued monitoring along with localized liquid termiticide treatment in the soil where activity was noticed.

🍽️ 1:00 PM – Lunch... and a Quick Emergency Call

No two days are the same. While eating lunch in the truck, a call comes in: a homeowner in Evergreen found flying termites near their baseboards. Swarmers indoors? That’s urgent.

We bump the schedule and head over.

🕵️ 2:00 PM – Swarmers Confirmed

Sure enough, we find termite alates (winged swarmers) emerging from a crack in the baseboard. Their presence indoors tells us the colony is active inside the structure. We’ll need to inspect the crawlspace and potentially treat the entire area.

This is why early detection is key—catching them before swarming saves money and stress.

🧾 4:30 PM – Wrapping Up & Writing Reports

Back at the office or in the field, our inspectors wrap up by completing digital inspection reports, detailing findings, photos, and treatment recommendations. We also follow up with customers to answer questions and schedule treatment if needed.

💬 Final Thoughts from the Field

Being a termite inspector in San Jose isn’t just about spotting damage—it’s about protecting homes, families, and investments. From historic districts to new builds, every structure is vulnerable, and early detection is your best defense.

Schedule a Free Termite Inspection Today

At Good Sense Termite, we offer no-cost, no-obligation inspections across San Jose and the surrounding communities. Whether you’ve seen signs or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help.

📍 Local experts, licensed and experienced 

🛠️ Well maintained equipment and treatment options 

💯 Trusted by homeowners across San Jose

👉 Book your free inspection now 📞 Call us today at (408) 418 9512

Good Sense Termite – We know what to look for, because we look for it every day.