What Is a Termite Inspection and Is One Required in San Diego?

San Diego's Termite Risk

San Diego County has one of the highest subterranean and drywood termite populations in the United States — a function of the warm, dry climate that termites thrive in. Virtually every older San Diego home has had some level of termite activity at some point in its history. Termite inspections are among the most important due diligence steps in any San Diego home purchase.

What a Termite Inspection Covers

A California structural pest control inspection — the formal name for what buyers call a termite inspection — covers visible evidence of wood-destroying organisms including subterranean termites, drywood termites, dampwood termites, carpenter ants, and wood-decaying fungi. The inspector produces a two-part report: Section 1 (active infestations or active damage) and Section 2 (conditions that are not currently active but could lead to infestation).

Is a Termite Inspection Required?

Termite inspections are not legally required for all California home sales — but they are required by VA loans (the seller must pay for the inspection in VA transactions) and strongly recommended for all buyers regardless of loan type. Most real estate agents recommend a termite inspection as part of standard due diligence on any San Diego home purchase.

Who Pays for Termite Treatment?

In San Diego, who pays for termite clearance — completing the work identified in the report — is negotiable. Sellers often pay for Section 1 work (active conditions) as this is typically required for VA loan and standard market practice. Section 2 work (conducive conditions) is more commonly a buyer's responsibility after purchase. Your buyer's agent will guide you through this negotiation.

What Termite Work Costs in San Diego

Termite treatment in San Diego ranges widely: Spot-treat active drywood termite infestation in a small area: $500 to $1,500. Full fumigation (tenting) of a house: $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on home size. Subterranean termite treatment (liquid barrier or Sentricon baiting): $800 to $3,000+. If termite damage is significant — affecting structural members, siding, or framing — additional repair costs can be substantial.

Related Reading on RiederHomes.com:

→ Blog #73: Home Inspections

→ Blog #116: Home Inspections Detailed

→ Blog #118: Sewer Scope

→ Blog #86: Making an Offer

— Mance Rieder, Broker Associate | Rieder Homes Group | REAL Broker | riederhomes.com | 858-295-0556