Right Time Termite Company has been identifying and eliminating termites in Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles County area since 1968. That is 58 years of showing up, doing the work correctly, and standing behind it. When you suspect termites, the first move is a thorough inspection to confirm what species is present and how far it has spread. From there, we match the treatment to the termite and the structure, then put a plan in place to keep the problem from coming back.
Honest inspection. Straight pricing. Work that holds.
Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule your inspection or request a quote.
Over the years we've learned what worried homeowners actually need to hear. The early signs of termites are often subtle, and knowing what to look for can save you from serious structural damage down the road.
Here are the most common warning signs:
Our experienced termite technicians who respect your home will walk through every relevant area and explain what they find in plain language. Call and we'll get it sorted before the damage grows.
No treatment decision should come before a proper inspection. Every job we take on begins the same way: a complete look at the structure to confirm whether termites are active, which species is present, and how far the infestation has reached. That information determines the right treatment, and it keeps you from paying for work that does not fit the problem.
What sets our inspections apart is how thorough they are. We examine the foundation perimeter, crawlspace and subfloor, attic, exposed framing, and any area where wood meets soil. We trace mud tubes to their source, identify swarmers if they have been seen, and look for the subtle signs that a less careful inspection would miss.
By the time the inspection is complete, we know whether termites are active, what type they are, and how far they have spread. We quote treatment only after we have that picture. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees means you will know exactly what you are paying for before any work begins.
Timing matters with a closing, and we work to your deadline. Lenders and escrow companies in California routinely require a wood-destroying organism inspection, also called a WDI report or termite letter, before a sale or refinance can close. We provide that report for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders throughout the Pasadena area.
The WDO inspection covers the full scope required by the standard report form: termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring and powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungus. If the property is clear, we issue the termite clearance letter. If there are findings, we explain them and outline the treatment options. We are family-owned and operated, and we treat every real estate transaction with the same care we give a long-term client.
Treatment depends on the termite type and the condition of the structure. That is why the inspection comes first. Drywood termites are common throughout the Pasadena area, and a widespread drywood infestation often calls for whole-structure fumigation to reach every piece of infested wood at once. Subterranean termites come up from the soil and are handled with liquid barriers and bait systems placed in and around the foundation. The inspection tells us which situation we are dealing with, and the treatment follows from that.
For subterranean termites, a liquid termiticide barrier is the workhorse treatment. We trench and treat the soil around and beneath the foundation with a non-repellent termiticide, creating a continuous treated zone. Termites moving through the treated soil carry the product back into the colony, which brings the infestation down at its source rather than just at the surface.
In-ground bait stations are placed around the property perimeter at regular intervals. The stations eliminate the colony gradually and provide ongoing early-warning monitoring between service visits. Bait systems are often paired with a liquid barrier treatment for stronger, more complete coverage, particularly on larger properties or where subterranean pressure is high.
When drywood termites have spread through a significant portion of the structure, spot treatments alone will not reach every infestation. Whole-structure fumigation tents the building and treats the entire interior so that every piece of wood is covered at once. It is the right tool when the infestation has moved beyond a localized area and a targeted approach would leave pockets untreated.
Hollow wood checked. Mud tubes traced. Treatment matched to the species.
For contained drywood infestations in accessible areas, borate wood treatment or localized spot treatments may be the appropriate call. Borate penetrates wood and remains effective for the life of the treated material. When the infestation is small and clearly bounded, this approach avoids the disruption of a full fumigation. The inspection determines whether a spot treatment is sufficient or whether the scope of the problem calls for something broader.
For contractors and developers building in Los Angeles County, pre-construction soil treatment establishes a protective barrier before the slab is poured. Treating the soil at that stage is far simpler and more thorough than addressing a subterranean termite problem after construction is complete. We work with builders and general contractors throughout the area to get this step scheduled at the right point in the project timeline.
Treatment resolves the active infestation, but the goal is keeping your home protected long after the work is done. Our annual inspection visits cover the same areas as the initial inspection: foundation, crawlspace, attic, and exposed framing. We are looking for any new activity before it has a chance to develop into a serious problem.
The renewable warranty or service agreement backs that up with a clear commitment. If termites return within the coverage period, we retreat. That is not a complicated offer. It is a straightforward promise that the colony handled right the first time stays handled, and that you have coverage if anything changes.
For any Pasadena homeowner who has just invested in treatment, the warranty is the smart next move. We've got your structure covered.
Over the years we've learned what worried homeowners actually need to hear. When termites are a concern, the last thing you need is vague pricing and a week-long wait to get someone out.
Pricing depends on the termite type, the treatment method, the size of the structure, and the extent of the infestation. Those variables matter, and we explain all of them before any work begins. There are no line items that appear after the fact. What we quote is what you pay.
Scheduling is flexible. Same-day and next-day appointments are available where our schedule allows, because we know that a termite problem is not something most homeowners want to sit on. Work performed by licensed termite control technicians, on a timeline that works for you.
Honest inspection. Straight pricing. Work that holds.
Pasadena is our home base, and we serve the broader San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities throughout Los Angeles County. That includes Arcadia, San Marino, Alhambra, Temple City, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Monrovia, and Duarte.
We know the housing stock in this part of the county well. Older Craftsman bungalows, mid-century construction, and newer builds each present different vulnerabilities, and the termite pressure here is real for all of them. Drywood termites are active throughout the region, and subterranean species are a consistent concern in soil-contact situations.
Local accountability means we earn the next job by doing this one right.
The dry climate does not protect against termites in Southern California. Pasadena sees active pressure from both drywood and subterranean termites, and drywood termites in particular thrive in warm, low-humidity conditions because they require no soil moisture to survive. If your home has wood framing, trim, or structural members, it is worth having it inspected.
The treatment depends on the termite species present and how far the infestation has spread, and the inspection is what tells us that. Subterranean termites are handled with a liquid barrier, bait stations, or both. Drywood termites that have spread through a significant portion of the structure usually call for whole-structure fumigation, while a small, contained drywood infestation may be addressed with a spot or wood treatment. We do not recommend a treatment until we know what we are actually dealing with.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel up to reach wood, building mud tubes along foundation walls and other surfaces as they move. Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood with no soil contact, and their signs are different: small kick-out holes and pellet-like droppings called frass near infested wood. Because the two types require different treatments, correct identification during the inspection is the most important step.
Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave an established colony to start new ones, so seeing them indoors is a strong signal that a colony is either already inside the structure or very nearby. Finding shed wings near windowsills or doorways after a swarm is equally telling. We recommend scheduling an inspection promptly rather than waiting to see if more signs appear.
A standard termite inspection and a WDO inspection for a real estate transaction are priced separately because they serve different purposes and produce different documentation. The WDO report follows a required format for lenders and escrow companies and covers the full scope of wood-destroying organisms the standard form calls for. Call us at (626) 226-4993 and we can give you a clear price for whichever type of inspection you need before you schedule.
We understand that closing deadlines are firm, and we schedule real estate inspections to fit the transaction timeline. In most cases we can complete the inspection and deliver the report quickly enough to meet lender and escrow requirements. Call us as early in the transaction as possible so we have the best chance of working around your closing date.
We work on residential properties of all types as well as commercial buildings, multi-unit rental properties, and new construction. Property managers and landlords rely on us for annual inspections, service agreements, and WDO reports the same way individual homeowners do. If you manage a portfolio of properties in the Pasadena area, call us to talk through a service plan that fits your needs.
The renewable warranty or service agreement includes annual inspection visits and retreatment coverage if termites return within the coverage period. If we find new activity during an annual visit or between visits, we come back and treat at no additional charge under the agreement. It is a straightforward commitment that the work we do holds, and that you have documented coverage if anything changes.
All treatments we apply are used according to the product label, which specifies safe re-entry times and any precautions required for the structure type and treatment method. We will walk you through what to expect before the work begins, including how long you and your family should stay out of treated areas if that applies. Work is performed by licensed termite control technicians who follow all label requirements.
Ready to protect the structure for good? The first step is a thorough inspection, not a guess. Once we know what we are dealing with, we can give you a straight answer on treatment and a clear price.
No guesswork on the termite. No surprises on the bill.
Right Time Termite Company has been doing this work in Pasadena since 1968. Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule your inspection or request a treatment quote.
Call today and let's protect the structure.
Every termite problem starts with a question: what species is present, and how far has it spread? We answer that question first, through a thorough inspection, before recommending any treatment. The method we choose depends on the termite type, the condition of the structure, and the extent of the infestation. That approach keeps you from paying for work that does not fit the problem.
| Treatment Approach | How It Works | Ideal For | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bait and Monitoring System |
| Subterranean termites; often paired with a liquid barrier for broader coverage on larger properties or where pressure is high | Multi-step process; colony elimination happens gradually over weeks to months; ongoing monitoring continues between service visits; stations remain in place as an early-warning system |
| Annual Warranty and Renewal |
| Any home that has completed treatment and wants documented, ongoing coverage against future termite activity | Ongoing relationship with annual visits; retreatment included if covered activity is found; warranty renews each year; provides peace of mind and a clear record of protection |
| Whole-Structure Fumigation |
| Widespread drywood termite infestations that have moved beyond a localized area and cannot be fully reached by spot treatment | Residents and pets must vacate for the duration; typically two to three days; no residual barrier remains after fumigation so follow-up inspection and a monitoring plan are recommended |
| Termite Inspection (including WDO) |
| Any homeowner with a suspected problem; required by lenders and escrow companies for home sales and refinancing in California | Single visit; written findings provided after the inspection; WDO report formatted to meet lender and escrow requirements; treatment quote follows only after the inspection is complete |
| Wood and Spot Treatment |
| Small, clearly bounded drywood termite infestations in accessible areas; new construction wood treatment before enclosure | Single or limited-session treatment; borate protection lasts for the life of the treated wood; inspection determines whether the scope of the infestation is contained enough for this approach |
| Liquid Termiticide Barrier |
| Subterranean termites traveling up from the soil to reach wood in the structure | Single treatment creates a long-lasting barrier; protection typically extends several years; annual inspection confirms the barrier is holding; retreatment included under a service agreement if termites return |
| Pre-Construction Soil Treatment |
| New construction in areas with subterranean termite pressure; far more thorough at this stage than treating after the structure is complete | Single treatment applied during construction; protection is built into the foundation from the start; follow-up inspection recommended after occupancy |
How do I tell whether I have subterranean or drywood termites?
The signs are different for each type. Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundation walls, floor joists, and other surfaces they travel across from the soil. Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood with no soil contact, and they leave behind small kick-out holes and pellet-like droppings called frass near infested areas. Because the two types require different treatments, correct identification during the inspection is the most important first step.
What do mud tubes mean, and where do they usually show up?
Mud tubes are pencil-thin tunnels of soil and debris that subterranean termites build to travel between the ground and the wood they are feeding on. They protect the termites from open air and low humidity as they move. You are most likely to find them along the exterior foundation, on crawlspace walls, on floor joists, or on any surface where soil meets wood. A mud tube is a reliable sign that subterranean termites are active.
Right Treatment Matched to the Termite Species
We do not recommend a treatment until the inspection tells us what species is present and how far it has spread. That step keeps you from paying for work that does not fit the problem.
What does it mean if I see swarmers or shed wings inside my home?
Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave an established colony to start new ones. Finding them indoors, or finding piles of shed wings near windowsills and doorways after a swarm, is a strong signal that a colony is either already inside the structure or very nearby. We recommend scheduling an inspection promptly rather than waiting to see if more signs appear.
How does a liquid termiticide barrier actually protect the foundation?
We trench the soil around and beneath the foundation and apply a non-repellent termiticide to create a continuous treated zone. Because the product is non-repellent, termites moving through the treated soil do not detect it and avoid it. Instead, they carry it back into the colony, which brings the infestation down at its source. The treated zone remains effective for several years and is confirmed during annual inspection visits.
How does a bait and monitoring system eliminate a colony over time?
In-ground stations are placed at regular intervals around the property perimeter. Termites find the bait inside the stations and share it with other colony members through normal feeding behavior. The colony population declines gradually over weeks to months as the product spreads through it. The stations remain in place after the colony is eliminated and continue to provide early-warning monitoring between service visits.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We explain every variable that affects the price before any work begins. What we quote is what you pay, with no line items that appear after the fact.
What should I expect during whole-structure fumigation?
The structure is tented and sealed, and a fumigant is introduced that penetrates all the wood throughout the building. Because the gas reaches every piece of wood at once, it is the right approach when a drywood termite infestation has spread beyond a localized area. Residents, pets, and plants must vacate for the duration, which is typically two to three days. After the tent is removed and the structure is ventilated, re-entry is safe. Fumigation does not leave a residual barrier, so we recommend a follow-up inspection and a monitoring plan after the work is complete.
Is a WDO inspection required to buy, sell, or refinance a home?
In California, lenders and escrow companies routinely require a wood-destroying organism inspection before a sale or refinance can close. The WDO report covers the full scope required by the standard form: termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring and powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungus. We provide that report for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders throughout the Pasadena area. If the property is clear, we issue the termite clearance letter. If there are findings, we explain them and outline the treatment options.
How quickly can a WDO report be turned around for a real estate closing?
We understand that closing deadlines are firm. In most cases we can complete the inspection and deliver the report quickly enough to meet lender and escrow requirements. We recommend calling us as early in the transaction as possible so we have the best opportunity to work around your specific closing date.
Fast Turnaround on Real Estate WDO Reports
Closing deadlines do not move, and we schedule real estate inspections to fit the transaction timeline. Call us early in the process and we will do our best to meet your date.
What does the annual warranty or service agreement cover, and is retreatment included?
The renewable warranty or service agreement includes annual inspection visits covering the foundation, crawlspace, attic, and exposed framing. If we find new termite activity during an annual visit or between visits, we return and treat at no additional charge under the agreement. It is a straightforward commitment that the work we do holds, and that you have documented coverage if anything changes.
Are termite treatments safe for children and pets?
All treatments we apply are used according to the product label, which specifies safe re-entry times and any precautions required for the treatment type and structure. We walk you through what to expect before the work begins, including how long you and your family should stay out of treated areas if that applies. For whole-structure fumigation, residents and pets must vacate for the duration of the treatment and return only after the structure has been properly ventilated and cleared.
Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule your inspection or request a treatment quote. We will identify the termite, match the treatment to the structure, and give you a clear price before any work begins.
(626) 226-4993