Do I Need a Termite Inspection Every Year?
- Jameson Elam
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
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.
Why Regular Termite Inspections Matter
Termites don’t leave thank-you notes. They work behind the scenes—silently, steadily, and often undetected—until the damage is done. For Bay Area homeowners, a once-a-year inspection can be the single smartest move you make to avoid five-figure repair bills.
Unlike cosmetic pests like ants or spiders, termites don’t just annoy you—they eat your house. The earlier you catch them, the more affordable and effective the treatment will be.
And here’s the kicker: you can’t rely on seeing visible damage to know they’re there.
How Fast Can Termites Cause Damage?
Subterranean termites—the most common in Santa Clara County—can cause extensive damage within a 12-month window, especially if they enter through crawlspaces or utility lines.
A mature colony can eat through:
Floor joists
Subfloors
Wall framing
Fascia and rafter tails
Window sills
And because they typically start in areas you don’t see (crawlspaces, under decks, behind insulation), you won’t notice until it’s serious—unless someone’s checking regularly.
What About Homes That Were Already Treated?
This is a common misconception. Many homeowners think, “I had my home treated a few years ago—I'm good.” That’s only partly true.
Here’s what can happen:
Treatments degrade over time, especially if there’s new soil movement, construction, or heavy rains.
New cracks can form in your slab, siding, or roofline.
Neighbors with untreated infestations can introduce new colonies nearby.
Even a well-treated home can become vulnerable again. Annual inspections confirm that your protection is still holding strong.
Who Should Definitely Schedule Yearly Inspections
Not every house carries the same risk. But here’s who we strongly recommend gets checked every year:
1. Older Homes (Built Before 1990)
Homes built before updated building codes or pressure-treated lumber are more susceptible to wood-destroying organisms.
2. Homes with Crawlspaces or Raised Foundations
These are termite favorites. Dark, moist, and usually ignored by homeowners. We frequently find colonies here before they reach visible areas.
3. Homes Near Trees, Creeks, or Open Green Spaces
Termites love moist soil, shade, and organic debris. If you’re near a hillside, eucalyptus grove, or even a heavily irrigated park, you’re a higher-risk property.
4. Recently Remodeled or Expanded Homes
New plumbing penetrations, structural framing, or siding changes can open up new entry points. Construction = fresh vulnerabilities.
5. Homes With Decks, Planter Beds, or Siding Near Ground Level
Any structure that touches soil or retains moisture against wood is a risk zone. Termites aren’t picky—they’ll take the back door in.
What Happens During a Yearly Termite Inspection?
At Good Sense Termite, we don’t do drive-bys. Here’s what an annual inspection includes:
Attic and crawlspace access (no “visual-only” reports)
Moisture readings at key points like baseboards, fascia, and plumbing zones
Assessment of previous damage or treatments
Inspection of all known entry points (e.g., expansion joints, utility sleeves)
Written findings with photos, so you can see what we see
Clear explanation of next steps, if anything is needed
And it’s free. Every year.
What About Homes with Termite Warranties?
If your home has a termite warranty, you're already ahead of the game. A good warranty means you're covered if termites come back—without having to pay thousands out of pocket for re-treatment or repairs.
But here's what many homeowners don’t realize: warranties don’t mean you’re risk-free forever. They typically cover specific areas, species, or treatment zones. That’s why checking in yearly with your termite company is still smart—even if no inspection is required to “maintain” the warranty.
With Good Sense Termite, our warranties are designed to keep things simple:
Fast response if any signs show up
Clear documentation of what's covered (usually the entire home!)
No gimmicks—just honest protection if something reappears
The bottom line: a warranty gives you peace of mind. But an annual inspection gives you certainty that everything’s still under control.
Is It Overkill to Inspect Every Year?
In areas with dry summers, irrigation-heavy landscapes, and aging housing stock like the Bay Area, annual inspections are a smart baseline. Not every home will need treatment every year—but if something starts brewing in your crawlspace, catching it early changes everything.
FAQs
Do termites swarm every year?
Yes, in most of California they swarm every spring and summer. Even if you treated last year, a new colony may emerge nearby the following year. Good Sense offers preventatives that can be applied to keep your home protected even if the swarms try to come back.
Will I be pressured to treat if something minor is found?
No. We explain the difference between conducive conditions and active infestations. You’ll get honest recommendations—not scare tactics.
What if I had a clean report last year?
That’s great—but things change quickly. A clean report is a snapshot in time. We’ve seen homes go from clear to infested in under 12 months.
Final Thoughts: Prevent, Don’t React
Think of your home like your car. You don’t wait for the engine to smoke before getting an oil change.
An annual termite inspection isn’t just about stopping damage. It’s about protecting your investment, maintaining peace of mind, and making sure your warranty works when (not if) you need it.
It’s just good sense.
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