Termites eat wood from the inside. You may not see them until the damage is well along. Homes near Orange have a mix of slab foundations, raised foundations, and older wood framing. Each setup invites a different kind of termite. The right fix depends on which one you have.
Aboutcolour Pest Control is a referral service. We do not inspect or treat homes. We connect you with independent providers in our network who do. They find the termite type, pick a method, and put the plan in writing. This page shows what to do first, how treatment works, and what drives the price.
Think You Have Termites? Start Here
Breathe. Then act. Termites move slowly, so you have time for a few smart steps. You do not need to panic.
Your First Hour, Step by Step
- Stop. Do not spray the area or open the wall.
- Take clear photos of tubes, wings, droppings, or damaged wood.
- Save a few insects in a sealed jar or bag.
- Write down the room, the date, and what you saw.
- Fix any leak or wet spot you can reach.
- Request a callback to check provider availability.
Why Not Spray Them Yourself?
Store sprays kill what they touch. Termites live deep in wood or soil. A spray can scatter the colony and send it to new spots. It can also wipe out clues a provider needs.
Why Termites Need Prompt Attention
Termites feed day after day. The damage hides behind paint, stucco, and trim. Small problems turn into repair bills fast. An early visit keeps the fix smaller.
Know the Warning Signs
- Pencil-width mud tubes on foundation walls or crawl space piers
- Winged insects or loose wings near windows and doors
- Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it
- Tiny pellets that look like sand or pepper
- Bubbling paint, sticking doors, or sagging floors
Termite or Flying Ant?
Both have wings. Termites have a straight waist and wings of equal size. Ants have a pinched waist and uneven wings. Your jar sample helps the provider tell them apart.
Types of Termites
The type decides the treatment. Here are the three most common.
Subterranean Termites
They nest in soil and build mud tubes. They need moisture. Slab and raised-foundation homes can both be at risk.
Drywood Termites
They live inside dry wood, with no soil contact. Look for pellets near framing, eaves, and attics. Mild coastal weather suits them.
Dampwood Termites
They want wet wood. Leaks, bad drainage, and winter rain events can invite them. Fixing the moisture is part of the plan.
How Termite Treatment Works
A provider inspects first. Then they choose a method for your home.
Liquid Soil Barrier
The provider treats soil around the foundation. Termites that cross it are stopped. This is common for subterranean termites.
Bait Stations
Stations go in the ground around the house. Termites carry the bait back to the colony. It works slowly and needs checkups.
Fumigation or Spot Treatment
Widespread drywood problems may call for a tent over the home. Small patches can often get local treatment instead. Ask which fits and why.
What Drives the Price
Home size matters most. So do the termite type, the method, and how easy the wood is to reach. Existing damage can add repair work. Prices vary by job, so get the quote in writing.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Many buyers and lenders ask for a termite report. Order it early. It shows active signs, past damage, and areas that need work. Sellers can treat before listing or negotiate. Buyers should read the whole report.
Choosing a Termite Provider
- Ask for proof of license and insurance.
- Get a written quote with the method, the areas treated, and the scope.
- Ask what any warranty covers and for how long.
- Compare two quotes before you pick.
- Be wary of pressure to sign on the spot.
After Treatment
Follow the provider's notes. Keep soil and mulch away from the barrier. Expect some activity to linger briefly. Book any follow-up visit. Hire a repair contractor for damaged wood. Some policies may cover sudden damage, but termite damage is often excluded. Check your policy.
Keeping Termites Out Later
Fix leaks and clear gutters. Keep soil and plants off stucco. Store firewood away from the house. Seal gaps where pipes enter. Schedule a yearly inspection.
What's Included
Full Inspection
A provider checks the foundation, attic, crawl space, and framing to find the termite type and the extent.
Written Plan
You get the method, the areas treated, and the price on paper.
Targeted Treatment
Soil barriers, bait stations, spot work, or fumigation, matched to your termites and home.
Follow-Up Checks
Ask about return visits so the provider can confirm the treatment is working.
Typical Termite Treatment Costs
These are typical U.S. ranges. Your price depends on home size, termite type, method, and access. Always get a written quote before work begins.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $350 | Often credited toward treatment; ask first |
| Spot treatment | $200 – $900 | Small drywood patches in one area |
| Liquid soil barrier | $1,200 – $3,500 | Priced by length of foundation |
| Bait station system | $1,500 – $3,500 | Plus monitoring visits |
| Whole-home fumigation | $1,500 – $8,000 | Size of home drives the price |
| Damaged wood repair | $500 – $5,000+ | Usually a separate contractor |
How It Works
Stay Calm
Breathe. Termites work slowly. Do not spray or open walls before the provider looks.
Document Signs
Photograph tubes, wings, and damage. Save a few insects in a sealed jar.
Reach a Provider
Request a callback to check availability, or request an estimate through our form.
Get It Written
Review the quote, the method, and the warranty terms before you agree.
Why Call Aboutcolour Pest Control
Damage Hides From View
Termites chew inside walls and beams. By the time you see signs, they may have fed for months.
Colonies Keep Growing
A colony does not stop on its own. More termites means more wood eaten and a bigger repair.
Sprays Fall Short
Store products miss the colony. A provider finds the source and treats where it lives.
Sales Depend On It
Buyers and lenders often want a clean report. Early treatment avoids delays.
Other Services
Need residential termite treatment in Orange?
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and tell us what you found. Say where it is and what you saw.
No obligationResidential Termite Treatment FAQ
How do I know if I have termites or just ants?
Check the waist and wings. Termites have a straight waist and wings of equal size. Ants have a pinched waist and uneven wings. Mud tubes and wood damage point to termites. A provider can confirm.
How much does termite treatment cost for a house?
Typical U.S. prices run from a few hundred dollars for spot work to several thousand for a soil barrier, baiting, or fumigation. Home size, termite type, and access change the price. Get a written quote before work starts.
Can I treat termites myself?
Store products usually kill only the termites they touch. They rarely reach the colony. Spraying can also scatter termites to new spots. A provider can find the source and choose a method that fits your home.
Get in touch
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and tell us what you found. Say where it is and what you saw.
No obligation