By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
When a pest inspection finds termites, two jobs follow. The pest company treats the termites, by fumigation or local treatment. Then someone has to repair the wood they damaged. Treatment does not restore strength to hollowed-out framing.
How California pest reports work
California wood-destroying pests and organisms reports, common at home sales, divide findings into two sections:
- Section 1: active infestation or infection, or damage caused by it.
- Section 2: conditions likely to lead to infestation or infection, like excessive moisture or wood touching soil, without damage yet.
Sale negotiations usually focus on Section 1. Section 2 items are often inexpensive to fix and worth doing.
Treatment versus repair
HomeAdvisor’s 2025 data puts termite treatment at an average of $621, with most homeowners spending $264 to $1,032. Repair costs are separate and vary with the damage, from replacing a piece of trim to rebuilding framing.
When you need a contractor
- Structural damage: sill plates, floor joists, studs, posts and beams.
- Damage that requires opening walls or floors.
- Repairs that need a permit, such as structural replacement.
- Coordinated work, like repairing a sill before a seismic retrofit.
Cosmetic damage in trim may only need replacement for appearance, but structural members need careful work: temporary support, replacement with appropriate lumber and proper connections.
Where termites show up
- Subterranean termites come up from the soil, often at sill plates, cripple walls and anything wood touching the ground.
- Drywood termites live in the wood itself, often in attics, eaves and trim.
Preventing repeat problems
- Keep soil and mulch away from wood and below the weep screed.
- Fix leaks and drainage that keep wood damp.
- Keep crawlspaces ventilated.
- Schedule periodic inspections.
See our dry rot and termite repair page and our guide to dry rot in coastal homes.
Frequently asked questions
What does a termite inspection cost compared with repairs?
HomeAdvisor's 2025 data puts termite treatment at an average of $621, with most homeowners spending $264 to $1,032. Repairs to damaged wood are separate and depend entirely on the extent and location of the damage.
Who can repair termite damage in California?
Structural pest control companies can perform certain repairs, and licensed contractors repair structural damage as construction work. For framing, sill plates and anything that needs a permit, a general building contractor is the usual choice.
Do Section 2 items have to be fixed before selling?
Section 2 items are conditions likely to lead to problems, not existing damage. Whether they are fixed is usually a negotiation between buyer and seller. Fixing them is often inexpensive and prevents future Section 1 findings.
Should termite damage repair happen before a seismic retrofit?
Yes. Retrofit anchors and bracing need solid wood. Damaged sill plates and cripple wall studs are repaired first, and we often find them during retrofit inspections.