Termite Treatment Services for Palo Alto Homes
Request a termite estimate
Termites are small insects that eat the wood in your home. They often work for months before anyone sees a sign. By then, they may have chewed through beams, floors, or walls.
Criticalproperly Pest Control is a referral service. We link homeowners in the Palo Alto area with independent providers in our network. The provider checks your home, explains what they find, and gives you a written quote. The provider does the work, not Criticalproperly Pest Control. Our goal is simple: fix the problem, then protect your home so it stays fixed. This page shows the warning signs, the main treatment types, typical costs, and the questions to ask before you hire.
Think You Have Termites? Start Here
You saw something odd. Maybe it was tiny wings on a windowsill. Maybe it was a thin dirt tube on a wall. Take a photo, then book an inspection. A trained provider can tell you if it is termites or something harmless.
Why Termites Need Prompt Attention
They work out of sight
Termites eat wood from the inside. The surface can look fine while the wood under it is hollow. That is why many homeowners find them late.
Damage adds up
A small colony does small harm. A big, older colony does much more. Waiting turns a simple fix into a bigger repair bill. Request a callback to check provider availability in your area.
Know the Warning Signs
Signs you can see
Look around your foundation, attic, garage, and crawl space. Watch for these:
- Winged insects near lights or windows, or tiny shed wings
- Mud tubes, which are pencil-wide dirt tracks on walls or slabs
- Tiny pellets that look like sand or pepper, called frass (termite droppings)
- Paint that bubbles or wood that looks wavy
- Doors and windows that start to stick
Signs you can hear or feel
Tap wood with a screwdriver handle. A hollow, papery sound is a red flag. Soft spots in baseboards or door frames are another one. Do not poke hard. Just note the spot and show the provider.
Types of Termites
The type matters. Each one needs a different plan.
Subterranean termites
These live in soil and build mud tubes to reach your house. They can enter through tiny cracks in a slab (the concrete base of a home). Winter rain can push them toward wood.
Drywood termites
These live inside the wood itself. They need no soil. Dry seasons and warm, mild weather suit them well. Look for the pellets near window sills and attic beams.
Dampwood termites
These like wet wood. They show up where there are leaks or poor drainage. Fixing the moisture is part of the cure.
How Termite Treatment Works
Step one: the inspection
The provider checks the outside, the attic, the crawl space, and any wood near soil. Stucco homes can hide trouble, so a good provider looks closely at the edges and the trim. You should get a written report.
Step two: the treatment plan
Common choices include:
- Liquid soil treatment: a barrier in the soil around the home
- Bait stations: small stakes that lure termites to a slow-acting bait
- Spot treatment: product placed right into infested wood
- Whole-home treatment: such as tenting, where the house is covered and treated with gas
Ask why the provider picked that option for your home. The answer should match the type of termite.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Buyers and lenders often ask for a termite report when a home sells. Older bungalows and 1950s to 1980s tract homes get checked often. If the report lists problems, you can treat them before closing. Read the report with the provider so you know which items are active and which are old.
Choosing a Termite Provider
Ask before you hire. A good provider is happy to answer.
Questions to ask
- Are you licensed in this state, and can I see proof?
- What type of termite do I have?
- What will you treat, and what product do you use?
- Is the quote in writing, with the full price?
- What does the follow-up cover, and for how long?
A good answer is short, clear, and specific. It names the area, the method, and the next step.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign today
- A quote with no written details
- No proof of license
- Treating the whole house with no inspection first
- Vague talk about what a warranty covers
After Treatment: Keep Them Gone
Fix it, then protect it. Treatment is not the end of the job.
Plan a yearly checkup
Book an inspection once a year. Early signs are easy to treat. Ask the provider when your next visit should be.
Small habits that help
- Fix leaks and keep gutters clear
- Keep soil and mulch a few inches below the stucco line
- Store firewood away from the house
- Seal gaps around pipes and vents
- Keep crawl space vents open and clear
If you spot a new sign, take a photo. Then request an estimate or request a callback to check provider availability.
What's Included
Full Inspection
A provider checks the attic, crawl space, foundation, and wood near soil, then explains what they find.
Written Quote
You get the method, the area, and the price on paper before work starts.
Treatment Options
Soil barriers, bait stations, spot treatment, or whole-home options, matched to your termite type.
Follow-Up Checks
Many providers offer repeat visits so you can catch new activity early and protect repairs.
Typical Termite Treatment Costs
Prices vary by home size, termite type, and how far the damage has spread. These are typical U.S. ranges. Always get a written quote from the provider.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $300 | Some providers apply it to the job |
| Spot treatment | $250 – $900 | A fit for small, local activity |
| Liquid soil barrier | $1,200 – $3,500 | Depends on the length of the foundation |
| Bait station system | $1,500 – $3,500 | Often includes monitoring visits |
| Whole-home tenting | $1,500 – $4,000 | Price grows with home size |
| Yearly follow-up check | $100 – $350 | Varies by plan and provider |
How It Works
Send Your Request
Fill out the estimate form with your address and what you have seen around the home.
Meet a Provider
A provider in our network contacts you to set up an inspection.
Review the Quote
Read the written plan, ask your questions, and compare before you decide.
Protect Your Home
After treatment, follow the care tips and book a yearly check.
Why Call Criticalproperly Pest Control
Plain Answers First
We explain each step in short words, so you know what the provider is doing.
Local Providers
Providers in our network know the local homes, soil, and weather that termites like.
Ask Before Hiring
Use our question list to compare providers and spot warning signs early on.
No Pressure
Request an estimate with no obligation. You choose if and when to move ahead.
Other Services
Need termite treatment services in Palo Alto?
- Request an estimate in a few minutes
- Independent local providers
- No obligation to hire
- Prevention tips included
Termite Treatment Services FAQ
- How do I know if I have termites?
- Look for mud tubes, discarded wings, tiny pellets, or hollow-sounding wood. Doors that suddenly stick can be a sign too. A provider can confirm it during an inspection and tell you which termite type it is.
- How long does termite treatment take?
- It depends on the method. Spot treatment may take a few hours. Soil barriers often take a day or so. Whole-home tenting can take several days. Ask the provider for a schedule and what to do to prepare.
- Will home insurance cover termite damage?
- Most policies do not cover slow damage from termites. Some may cover sudden damage, so check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Tell us what happened
Tell us what you found at home. Send a short request and a provider in our network can follow up with next steps and an estimate.
No obligation