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Drywood Termite Treatment in Orange County, CA

What Drywood Termites Are and Why They’re Different

Drywood termites are wood-dwelling insects that do not require soil contact. Unlike subterranean termites, they live entirely inside dry structural lumber such as rafters, fascia boards, window frames, eaves, and attic framing.

This distinction matters.

Because drywood termites live inside the wood itself, surface treatments, perimeter sprays, and soil barriers are often ineffective. Successful control depends on accurate localization of colonies, access to infested members, and proper treatment delivery inside the structure.

DRYWOOD TERMITES

  • Swarm Between August - October

  • Lives inside lumber

  • Colony Size is between 3000-5000

  • Can eat a foot of 2X4 in 18 months

  • Reproductives have big red heads

  • Travels in the breeze: Poor flyers

  • Homes in breeze ways most vulnerable

  • Homes within 60 miles of a major body of water most vulnerable

  • You can attract them to your home

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Common Signs of Drywood Termite Activity

Homeowners in Orange County often discover drywood termites after damage has already begun. Common indicators include:

  • Fecal pellets (six-sided, sand-like pellets) beneath wood members

  • Kick-out holes in exposed lumber

  • Swarmers or discarded wings near windows or lights

  • Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

  • Visible surface blistering or paint damage

Absence of these signs does not guarantee absence of infestation. Drywood termites can remain concealed for years.

How HALO Approaches Drywood Termite Treatment

HALO does not default to fumigation. We begin with diagnosis, not assumptions.

Our process is built around structural access, infestation mapping, and treatment precision, allowing many homes to be treated effectively without tenting.

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Step 1: Licensed Structural Inspection​

A California-licensed Branch 3 inspector evaluates:

  • Attic framing

  • Eaves, fascia, and rafter tails

  • Window and door framing

  • Interior accessible structural members

  • Conditions that may limit local treatment viability

This inspection determines whether local treatment is appropriate or if whole-structure fumigation is required and assigns a State Licensed Branch 3 overseer to the project.

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Step 2: Infestation Localization

When local treatment is viable, we identify:

  • Active galleries

  • Colony spread patterns

  • Accessible injection points

  • Adjacent risk areas

This prevents under-treatment and reduces unnecessary chemical use.

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Step 3: Targeted Structural Treatment

Depending on conditions, treatment may include:

  • Direct wood injection

  • Surface application to exposed structural members

  • Borate-based penetration treatments for long-term protection

  • Supplemental treatment of adjacent vulnerable lumber

All applications are performed in accordance with California Structural Pest Control Act requirements and product labeling.

Step 4: Verification and Documentation

Post-treatment verification confirms:

  • Treatment coverage

  • Structural access points

  • Areas excluded due to inaccessibility

  • Ongoing risk factors

Documentation is provided for homeowner records and future inspections.

Local Treatment vs. Fumigation

Tenting

VS

Non-Tenting

Fumigation May Be Required When:

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  • Colonies are widespread or inaccessible

  • Infestation spans multiple concealed areas

  • Structural design prevents proper injection or penetration

  • Reinfestation history indicates whole-structure exposure

HALO explains these conditions clearly before any recommendation is made.

What you need to know before you tent

Localized Treatment May Be Appropriate When: Not your Ordinary Local Treatment (Learn more)

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  • Infestations are isolated

  • Structural members are accessible

  • Damage is limited

  • Long-term protection can be applied

Are you ready?

Lets get you set up with a FREE consultation and inspection today. Click below now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fumigation the only way to eliminate drywood termites?

No. Structural fumigation started in the 1950. Since then technology has allowed Halo to avoid tenting about 80% of the time. Most companies still offer it as a first response but often its because they don't know the science or care. 

Will drywood termites come back after treatment?

Yes. Eventually they will return, either from a dying tree upto 3 miles away or from a neighbor who has been growthing them on their house for years. Some neighborhoods struggle more than others. 

Are drywood termites common in Orange County?

Dry wood termites are common in all areas from the ocean to about 60 miles inland, many desert communities, depending on proximity to forrest and of course mountain areas. 

Does HALO provide warranties?

All of Halo's services include the most robust warranties the industry has to offer. 

Can drywood termites cause structural damage?

Dry wood termite cause upto 5 Billion dollars in structural damage per year. 

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