From San Jose to Sausalito: How Termite Species Vary Across the Bay—and Why It Matters
- Lauren Willard
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
Not all termites are the same—and neither are their habitats. In the Bay Area, both Drywood and Subterranean termites thrive, but the species (and their behaviors) shift dramatically depending on your location and home type.
At Good Sense Termite, we tailor each treatment to the exact termite species we’re dealing with—because getting it wrong can waste time, money, and damage your home.
The Two Main Offenders in the Bay Area
1. Subterranean Termites
Live underground and build mud tubes
Thrive in moist soil and shaded foundations
Found mostly in coastal and fog belt regions (e.g., Daly City, San Leandro, Oakland Hills)
2. Drywood Termites
Live inside dry, undecayed wood (attics, walls, furniture)
Swarm during hot months and often go undetected
Common in warmer, drier regions (e.g., San Jose, Walnut Creek, Concord)
Bay Area Termite Species by Region
Region | Dominant Species | Common Entry Points |
San Jose | Drywood | Attics, vents, fascia boards |
Sausalito | Subterranean | Soil contact, decks, utility penetrations |
Alameda | Both | Roof leaks, old siding, slab foundations |
Mill Valley | Subterranean | Wooden planters, retaining walls |
Pleasanton | Drywood | Skylights, exposed rafters, window joints |
Daly City | Subterranean | Crawlspaces, earth-to-wood contact |
Why Misidentification is Costly
Treating for Drywood when you have Subterranean = wasted effort
Using spot treatments when colony-wide treatment is needed = recurring damage
Failing to identify species can void warranty coverage or delay escrow
How Good Sense Termite Gets It Right
Free inspections by licensed professionals trained in regional species ID
14+ years of experience inspecting every microzone of the Bay
Treatment plans tailored to termite biology—not just symptoms
Clear reports with photos and species confirmation
Follow-up monitoring and warranty based on local risk
FAQ
Q: Can I tell what species I have just by looking? Not usually. Both leave similar signs, but the colony location, moisture source, and frass/mud tube details reveal the difference—something our experts are trained to identify.
Q: Do treatments differ by species? Yes. Subterranean termites may need soil treatment or bait stations. Drywood termites often require wood injection or structural fumigation.
Q: What if I have both species? We’ve seen that often. Our hybrid treatment plans tackle both types—and our warranty covers future reinfestation.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Enemy, Protect Your Home
You can’t fight what you don’t understand. Termite control is never one-size-fits-all. Good Sense Termite provides precise, species-based treatment—from Sausalito to San Jose and everywhere in between.
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