Which Termite Treatment Is Best? Comparing Options for San Jose Homes

Choosing the Right Termite Treatment Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

If you’ve discovered termites in your home, your first question is likely: “What treatment will get rid of them—for good?”

In San Jose, the best termite treatment depends on:

• The type of termite (drywood vs. subterranean)

• The size and location of the infestation

• Whether you're trying to eliminate, prevent, or both

Below, we’ll break down the top treatment options used in the Bay Area and which ones are most effective for different situations.

Top Termite Treatment Options in San Jose

1. Fumigation (Tenting)

Best for: Widespread or inaccessible drywood termite infestations

• Entire home is sealed and filled with a gas (usually Vikane)

• Kills all termites in the structure, even those hidden in walls or beams

• Requires vacating the property for 2–3 nights

Pros:

• 100% effective for drywood termites

• Reaches all hidden areas

Cons:

• Inconvenient (requires prep and vacating)

• No residual protection after treatment

2. Local Spot Treatment

Best for: Small, localized infestations of either termite type

• Technicians apply termiticide or foam directly to the area of infestation

• Can be used in attics, crawl spaces, or baseboards

Pros:

• Affordable and minimally invasive

• Can be done without leaving the home

Cons:

• Doesn’t treat inaccessible areas

• Risk of missing satellite colonies

3. Subterranean Termite Soil Treatments

Best for: Active subterranean termite colonies

• Liquid termiticide is injected into the soil around the home’s foundation

• Creates a protective barrier to kill termites as they move through soil

Pros:

• Long-lasting protection (can last 5–10 years)

• Prevents re-entry

Cons:

• Only effective against subterranean species

• Must be professionally applied

4. Preventative Borate Wood Treatments

Best for: New construction or preventative protection in exposed wood areas

• Borate solution is applied to bare wood to deter future infestations

Pros:

• Excellent for attics, decks, or crawl spaces

• Adds value when selling a home

Cons:

• Not effective on already-infested wood

• Limited to exposed, untreated surfaces

So, Which Is Best?

Termite Type	Best Treatment Option
Drywood (extensive)	Fumigation
Drywood (localized)	Spot treatment
Subterranean	Soil barrier treatment
Mixed/Unknown	Inspection + possible combo

The best treatment is one that’s based on a thorough inspection, not guesswork.

TL;DR - HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Fumigation is the most effective option for full-structure drywood termite infestations

• Spot treatments work well for small or early-stage infestations

• Subterranean termites require soil-applied barrier treatments

• No single treatment is right for every home—inspections determine the best method

• Fumigation kills termites throughout the home but has no residual effect

• Borate treatments are best used preventatively on exposed wood

• Professional termite companies like Good Sense Termite will tailor a plan based on type, severity, and location of infestation

FAQ

Q: Is fumigation always necessary? 

A: Not always. If the infestation is small and localized, spot treatment may be sufficient. But widespread drywood termite activity often requires fumigation for full eradication.

Q: Which treatment lasts the longest? 

A: Subterranean soil treatments can protect your home for up to 10 years. Spot and fumigation treatments offer immediate relief but no long-term barrier.

Q: What’s the safest termite treatment? 

A: All professional treatments used by licensed companies are EPA-approved and safe when applied correctly. Fumigation requires temporary evacuation but leaves no residue.

Q: Can I treat termites myself? 

A: DIY products may kill visible termites but often miss hidden colonies. A licensed inspector will ensure proper diagnosis and thorough treatment.

Let’s Find the Right Treatment for Your San Jose Home

Good Sense Termite offers free, licensed inspections and expert recommendations tailored to your property. Whether you need localized treatment, full-home fumigation, or long-term protection—we’ve got the right plan.

Call now to schedule your inspection and eliminate termites the smart way.