Some calls we get are straightforward: a homeowner has not seen any signs, they want the structure checked before termites become the story, and they want a plan that keeps it that way. Other calls start with damage already visible, a hollow beam, a trail of frass near a windowsill, or mud tubes running up a foundation wall, and the first job is figuring out how far the problem has actually gone. Right Time Termite Company handles both. We inspect the structure thoroughly, confirm what is present and where it has spread, and recommend the treatment that fits what the inspection finds.
Altadena has a mix of older wood-frame homes, properties with crawlspace foundations, and structures that have had additions and renovations over the years. That kind of housing stock carries real termite exposure. Drywood termites are a consistent concern across this region, and subterranean termites are present too, particularly where soil moisture near the foundation gives them favorable conditions. Whether you are a homeowner dealing with an active infestation or a landlord keeping a rental property ahead of problems, the process is the same: inspect first, treat accurately, and monitor over time.
In-ground bait and monitoring stations work differently from a liquid barrier, and that difference matters depending on what a property needs. A barrier creates a treated zone in the soil that termites contact as they forage. Stations work over a longer arc: termites find the bait during normal foraging, take it back through the colony, and the colony declines over time as the material spreads through the population.
What makes monitoring stations valuable beyond the initial treatment is what checking them tells you. Each scheduled visit gives a clear picture of whether foraging activity is present, where it is concentrated, and whether it is increasing or declining. That information shapes follow-up decisions and catches new pressure before it reaches the structure. For properties with significant subterranean activity, bait stations are often paired with a liquid barrier rather than used alone, giving the property both an immediate treated zone and ongoing colony-level reduction.
Soil that stays wet near the foundation, whether from irrigation, drainage problems, or landscaping that holds moisture, creates exactly the conditions subterranean termites look for. Where timber is in direct contact with soil, the risk is higher still. Correcting these conditions before or alongside treatment removes one of the main reasons colonies return. We look at conducive conditions during the inspection and factor them into the treatment plan.
A non-repellent termiticide applied to the soil around and beneath the foundation creates a treated zone that foraging termites move through without detecting. Because they do not avoid it, the material travels back through the colony rather than simply redirecting activity to an untreated area. Slab edges, foundation walls, and crawlspace perimeters are all part of this treatment. Products are applied according to the label, and the technician explains beforehand what the household should do about pets and children during and after the application.
A property that has stood empty for a period carries a different kind of risk. Termite activity can advance unnoticed when nobody is looking, and a structure that was clear at its last inspection may not be clear now. Before a vacant property is reoccupied or listed for sale, a thorough inspection confirms what is actually present. If activity is found, treatment is matched to the species and the extent of the infestation before the property changes hands.
Station placement follows the property perimeter and is designed to intercept termites during normal foraging before they reach the structure. Once installed, stations are checked on a regular schedule. Each visit either confirms the colony is declining or identifies new pressure that warrants a follow-up retreatment visit. The monitoring function continues between scheduled checks, giving the property ongoing early-warning coverage.
Non-repellent chemistry is the foundation of effective subterranean termite treatment precisely because termites cannot detect or route around it. Where a repellent product pushes foraging activity to an untreated path, a non-repellent formulation allows termites to move through the treated zone and carry the material back to the colony. The application covers the areas where termites are most likely to enter the structure, and the technician explains the process and any preparation needed before work begins.
No guesswork on the termite. No shortcuts on the treatment.
An inspection is not a formality before treatment. It is the step that makes treatment accurate. A technician walks the full structure, checking accessible framing, the foundation perimeter, slab penetrations, the crawlspace where present, and attic framing where entry is safe. The goal is to confirm whether termites are active, which species is present, and how far the infestation has spread. Altadena's older housing stock often has areas that have not been closely examined in years. That is exactly where an inspection earns its value.
For real estate transactions, the inspection produces the wood-destroying organism report that lenders require. Within that context, the report documents other wood-destroying organisms as well, including carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood-decay fungus. The findings are explained alongside the treatment cost so buyers, sellers, and agents have what they need to move forward. The service page carries the full breakdown of what each inspection type covers.
Once the inspection confirms the species and the extent of the infestation, the treatment follows from that finding. Drywood termites living inside the wood require a different approach than subterranean termites entering from the soil. A widespread drywood infestation often calls for whole-structure fumigation, where the entire building is tented and treated so no pocket of activity is missed. A contained infestation may be handled with a localized spot treatment or a direct wood treatment applied to accessible timber. Subterranean activity calls for a liquid barrier, a bait system, or both, depending on the pressure and the structure.
Local accountability means we earn the next job by doing this one right.
Treatment is the beginning of the protect phase, not the end of the job. An annual inspection and monitoring plan brings a technician back to the property each year to check for new activity before it has time to cause significant damage. Bait stations are checked and refreshed on schedule. If new activity is found between visits, a follow-up retreatment addresses it directly. For landlords managing rental properties in Altadena, this kind of ongoing monitoring keeps the structure in good condition without requiring a reactive call every time something looks wrong.
Timing matters, and we work to the schedule the situation requires. If you are seeing active signs and want an inspection arranged promptly, call and ask. Same-day and urgent appointments are available when the schedule allows.
For real estate transactions, the WDO report often has a hard deadline tied to the closing date. We schedule those inspections with the timeline in mind and turn the report around so the transaction stays on track. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or an agent coordinating across multiple properties, call and tell us the deadline. We work to it.
For occupied homes, the technician explains beforehand what the household needs to do and what to expect during and after the visit. Tenants and property managers can reach us directly. We arrange the visit around whoever is on site. Call today and let's protect the structure.
Pricing is confirmed on the call, before anything is scheduled. The rate depends on the size of the property, how it is built, which species the inspection identifies, how far the infestation has spread, and which treatment approach fits the situation. A crawlspace property has different access requirements than a slab foundation. A widespread drywood infestation across multiple areas of a structure has a different scope than a contained spot treatment. Those variables move the number, and we go through them with you on the call.
Honest inspection. Straight pricing. Work that holds.
There is no single price that fits every property in Altadena, and we do not quote one before we understand the scope. What you get on the call is a clear rate for what the job actually involves, explained before you commit to anything. Ask what the price covers and you get a straight answer.
A property in this part of California is facing two distinct termite threats, and the treatment that handles one does not address the other. Drywood termites live inside the wood and require either a localized treatment for contained activity or whole-structure fumigation when the infestation has spread through multiple areas. Subterranean termites enter from the soil and are handled with a liquid termiticide barrier, a bait and monitoring system, or a combination of both.
The construction of the property shapes the approach as well. Older wood-frame homes with crawlspace foundations have different access points and vulnerabilities than slab construction. A structure that has been expanded or renovated may have areas where the original treatment coverage no longer applies. Work is carried out by professionals who know this area, and that familiarity with local construction types is reflected in how the inspection is conducted and how the treatment plan is built.
If you are not sure whether the signs you are seeing point to drywood or subterranean activity, that is exactly what the inspection is for. We confirm the species before any treatment is recommended.
We serve Altadena and the surrounding communities throughout Los Angeles County. Nearby areas we cover include Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, San Pasqual, San Marino, and East Pasadena. Whether the property is a single-family home, a rental, or a commercial building, call and we will confirm service to your address.
Clearing access to the crawlspace, attic entry, and areas along the foundation perimeter helps the technician cover more of the structure during the inspection. Moving stored items away from foundation walls and interior areas where signs may be present also helps. If you are not sure what to prepare, ask when you call and we will walk you through it.
That material is most likely frass, the pellet-like droppings drywood termites push out of small kick-out holes as they feed. It collects in small piles beneath infested wood and is one of the clearest visible signs of a drywood termite infestation. If you are seeing it, call (626) 226-4993 so we can confirm the source and assess the extent of the activity.
Yes. Subterranean termites are drawn to moisture, and soil that stays wet near the foundation creates favorable conditions for foraging colonies. Leaking irrigation, poor drainage, and areas where water pools against the structure all contribute to elevated risk. Addressing those conditions does not eliminate termite pressure, but it removes one of the main attractants.
The technician explains findings clearly at the time of the inspection, and the written report documents what was found and where. If photographs help clarify the findings for you or for other parties involved in a real estate transaction, ask about that when you call and we can discuss what documentation is provided with the report.
Yes. The wood-destroying organism report we produce for real estate transactions is formatted to satisfy lender requirements and can be provided to whoever needs it, whether that is the buyer's lender, the escrow officer, or the listing agent. When you call, let us know who needs to receive the report and we handle it from there.
Older wood-frame homes tend to carry higher exposure simply because of how much accessible timber they contain and how long that timber has been in place without a recent inspection. Crawlspace foundations, original framing, and older additions that have not been closely examined are the areas where activity most often goes undetected for an extended period. Age alone does not determine risk, but it is one of the factors that shapes how thoroughly we inspect and which areas we focus on.
The technician explains exactly what preparation is needed before fumigation begins, including what needs to be removed, bagged, or moved from inside and around the structure. Preparation requirements are specific to the job and the product being used, and they are covered in full before the job is scheduled. Any questions about a specific product or preparation step can be answered on the call.
Whether the inspection cost is applied toward treatment is something we go over on the call before anything is scheduled. Ask directly when you call (626) 226-4993 and you will get a straight answer about how the pricing works for your situation.
The wood-destroying organism inspection documents the presence or absence of termites, other wood-destroying insects, and wood-decay fungus across the structure. It is the report many lenders require before a loan is approved, and it gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of the structure's condition at the time of the inspection. If the report identifies active termites or damage, treatment options and costs are explained together so all parties can make informed decisions before closing.
Right Time Termite Company is open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call (626) 226-4993 and you will reach someone who can go over the scope of the inspection, explain the treatment options that apply to your situation, and confirm the rate before anything is scheduled. There are no forms to fill out and no waiting for a callback. Call (626) 226-4993 and let's get started.
Close by, we also work in: Glendale, Arcadia, San Gabriel, Alhambra, Temple City. For every town we reach, see our list of local areas.
Every termite problem starts with the same question: what are we actually dealing with? We inspect first, confirm the species and how far the infestation has spread, and then match the treatment to what we find. Subterranean termites coming from the soil need a different approach than drywood termites living inside the wood, and choosing the wrong method wastes time and money. The table below lays out each treatment option, what it is best for, and what to expect from start to finish.
| Treatment Approach | How It Works | Ideal For | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bait and Monitoring System |
| Subterranean termites, used as a standalone treatment or paired with a liquid barrier on properties with heavier pressure | Multi-step process with scheduled monitoring visits throughout the year. Colony declines over time as bait spreads through the population. Stations also function as early-warning monitors between visits. |
| Annual Inspection and Monitoring |
| Any property that has been treated and needs ongoing protection, especially in Southern California where termite pressure is consistent year over year | Ongoing plan with one scheduled inspection per year plus monitoring visits for properties with bait stations. New activity found between visits is addressed directly. Plan is described and priced clearly on the call. |
| Whole-Structure Fumigation |
| Drywood termites that have spread through multiple areas of the structure where localized treatment cannot reach every pocket of activity | Requires the structure to be unoccupied for a period explained in advance. Single treatment event that covers the entire building at once. Products applied according to label directions. Re-entry timing follows label requirements. |
| Termite Inspection (including WDO) |
| Any homeowner with active or suspected termite activity, and real estate buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders requiring a wood-destroying organism report for a closing or refinance | Single visit. The WDO report covers termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring and powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungus. Findings and treatment cost are explained together before any work is scheduled. Reports for real estate closings are turned around to meet transaction deadlines. |
| Wood and Spot Treatment |
| Contained drywood termite infestations where full fumigation is not warranted, and accessible structural wood in crawlspaces or attic framing | Completed in a single visit for most applications. Best suited to infestations limited in scope and location. The inspection determines whether the activity is contained enough for this approach. |
| Liquid Termiticide BarrierMost Popular |
| Subterranean termites entering from the soil, including properties with active infestation or high soil-contact risk | Completed in a single treatment visit once the inspection is done. The treated zone in the soil provides long-lasting protection. An annual inspection confirms the barrier remains effective and checks for new activity. |
| Pre-Construction Soil Treatment |
| New residential and commercial construction where subterranean termite protection is established before the structure goes up | Single treatment at the pre-pour stage. Far easier to complete before construction than after. Builders and developers call to confirm timing and scope before scheduling. |
Call (626) 226-4993 to schedule an inspection and get a treatment quote matched to what we actually find at your property.
(626) 226-4993