Is a bait system cheaper than a liquid treatment?
Up front, they are often similar for an Irvine home, typically $1,500 to $3,500 to install. Over time, bait systems around Irvine homes cost more because they require an annual monitoring fee, commonly $300 to $500. Liquid barriers around Irvine homes have lower renewal costs but eventually wear out.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
Around Irvine, California, expect about $100 to $200 for a WDI inspection with a written report. Larger homes and difficult crawl spaces cost more. If the Irvine inspector finds nothing, the report itself is still valuable for a sale or refinance.
Does homeowner insurance pay for termite damage?
No, in nearly every case. Insurers in Irvine, California treat termites as a maintenance issue. Some policies cover sudden collapse, but not slow termite damage. A repair warranty from an Irvine termite provider is the closest thing to coverage.
What does a termite warranty cover?
It varies, so read the contract carefully. Retreatment warranties are standard in Irvine, and most require a yearly renewal fee. Repair warranties exist but usually exclude pre-existing damage and cap payouts. Letting the renewal lapse on an Irvine home usually ends the warranty entirely.
How long does termite treatment take?
It depends on the method chosen for your Irvine home. Spot treatments take an hour or two. A full liquid barrier takes most of a day. Bait systems keep working for months after a short installation. An Irvine provider should give you a timeline in the proposal.
What time of year do termites swarm?
Subterranean termites around Irvine typically swarm in spring, often on a warm afternoon after rain. Drywood termites tend to swarm in late summer or fall. Formosan termites swarm on humid evenings in late spring. A swarm inside an Irvine home means the colony is close.
How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
Look at the waist, the wings, and the antennae. Termite swarmers around Irvine have a broad waist, four wings of equal length, and straight beaded antennae. Flying ants have a pinched waist, uneven wings, and elbowed antennae. If you are still unsure, an Irvine inspector can identify a sample in seconds.
Do most pest control companies treat existing homes for termites?
Yes, nearly all of those surveyed. A number that shapes expectations in Irvine as much as anywhere: some 94% of pest-control company locations offered post-construction termite treatments in Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine's 2025 termite market report, a BASF-sponsored Readex survey of about 145 professionals covering 2024 operations; the share describes companies, not how many homes have termites. Providers serving Irvine should be able to explain how their recommendation fits what they actually found on your property.
Can I treat termites myself instead of hiring a professional?
Few homeowners want to. Keep this in mind while inspecting a Irvine home: according to the NPMA/Harris Poll findings released March 24, 2026, only 16% of U.S. homeowners preferred DIY termite control to hiring a professional; the figure reflects stated intentions, not measured purchasing behavior. In Irvine, ask providers to put the number of visits and any re-treatment terms in writing before work begins.