HOMEOWNER TERMITE PREVENTION CALENDAR (SEASONAL GUIDE)

Termites are a year-round threat to homes throughout California’s Bay Area. The region’s mild winters, coastal humidity, and dense mix of older and newer wood-framed homes create the perfect environment for termite activity. While fumigation is the most effective way to eliminate an active infestation, prevention is the key to long-term protection.

This Homeowner Termite Prevention Calendar provides season-by-season guidance designed for Bay Area homeowners. Each section outlines specific tasks to help you reduce risk, identify warning signs early, and maintain a termite-free property.

By following this schedule and working with Proven Termite Solutions, you can prevent costly repairs and protect your investment with proven, professional insight.

WINTER: INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Winter in the Bay Area tends to be cooler and wetter. While termite activity slows slightly, moisture accumulation and hidden leaks can create ideal conditions for future infestations. This is the season to inspect, repair, and prepare.

Key Tasks

Schedule an annual termite inspection with a licensed professional. Even if no signs are visible, early detection prevents expensive structural damage.
Inspect the attic, crawl spaces, and foundation for signs of moisture, wood decay, or mud tubes.
Check gutters and downspouts to make sure water drains at least six feet from your foundation.
Seal gaps and cracks around pipes, vents, and entry points.
Trim trees and shrubs so that branches do not touch exterior walls or rooflines.
Test ventilation systems in attics and crawl spaces to prevent humidity buildup.

Professional Tip

Winter is the perfect time to perform maintenance inside the home since termite swarmers are less active. Use this slower season to address small issues before the warmer months bring increased termite movement.

SPRING: SWARM SEASON PREPARATION

Spring marks the start of termite swarming season in California. Drywood and Subterranean termites begin looking for new places to establish colonies. During this time, prevention and vigilance are critical.

Key Tasks

Inspect window sills, doors, and baseboards for discarded wings or frass (pellet-like droppings).
Seal small cracks and openings around the foundation, windows, and roof.
Repair plumbing leaks and check under sinks and appliances for moisture.
Reduce mulch buildup near the foundation. Keep at least 12 inches of space between mulch and siding.
Remove debris, cardboard, and scrap wood stored near the house.
Check wooden decks and fences for blistering paint, hollow spots, or wood damage.

Professional Tip

Schedule your annual termite inspection during early spring if you missed it over winter. This helps identify new colonies before they expand.

For more details about what happens during an inspection, visit What to Expect from a Termite Inspection.

SUMMER: MOISTURE AND BARRIER CHECKS

The Bay Area’s warm, dry summers can hide moisture problems deep within soil and structures. Subterranean termites stay active underground during this period, often going undetected. Mid-year is the time to focus on exterior barriers and environmental conditions that attract termites.

Key Tasks

Inspect your foundation and perimeter for new mud tubes or soil buildup.
Confirm that vents and crawl spaces are dry and unobstructed.
Check irrigation systems and sprinklers to make sure they are not saturating the soil near your foundation.
Refresh the soil barrier by requesting a professional soil injection service if it has been several years since the last treatment. Learn more on our Soil Injection Termite Treatment page.
Repair or replace damaged wood trim, fascia boards, and siding.
Inspect outdoor wooden structures such as patios, fences, and sheds for signs of decay or insect activity.

Professional Tip

If you notice signs of localized activity, schedule a targeted spot treatment. Our Localized Termite Control service effectively addresses smaller infestations without the need for fumigation.

FALL: SEAL AND PROTECT

As temperatures cool and humidity fluctuates, termites search for warmth and shelter. Fall is the perfect time to strengthen your home’s defenses before the next wet season.

Key Tasks

Inspect and reseal the home’s exterior. Check caulking around doors, windows, and utility openings.
Store firewood, lumber, and cardboard at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground.
Clean gutters and roof valleys to prevent standing water and wood rot.
Inspect your attic and crawl space again for signs of moisture or leaks that developed during summer.
Have your foundation perimeter inspected by Proven Termite Solutions to ensure barriers are intact before the winter rains return.

Professional Tip

This is an excellent time to review your annual termite warranty or inspection schedule. If it has been over a year since your last fumigation or preventive service, contact Proven Termite Solutions to maintain continuous protection.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION HABITS

Consistent habits are the most powerful defense against termites. Even small actions taken regularly can extend the life of your home’s structural components and prevent future infestations.

Year-Round Habits

Schedule an annual inspection to maintain your warranty and peace of mind.
Keep soil and wood separate. Maintain 12–18 inches of clearance between your home’s foundation and landscaping.
Use termite-resistant or treated wood for home repairs and outdoor projects.
Control moisture. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or irrigation systems immediately.
Monitor your attic and crawl space for ventilation and dryness.
Check stored wood and cardboard boxes periodically for pest activity.
Maintain a clean perimeter. Keep vegetation trimmed and debris away from the house.

Professional Tip

Routine professional inspections combined with localized preventive treatments are the most effective strategy for long-term protection. Our technicians can recommend the right maintenance plan based on your home’s risk factors and construction type.

DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST: YEAR-ROUND TERMITE PREVENTION CALENDAR

For easy reference, Proven Termite Solutions offers a free printable checklist outlining monthly and seasonal termite prevention tasks. Keep it on your refrigerator, or store it digitally to remind yourself of key inspection points throughout the year.

Sample Checklist Items

January–March: Schedule inspection, check gutters and attic
April–June: Look for swarmers, seal gaps, remove yard debris
July–September: Check for mud tubes, refresh soil barriers
October–December: Seal exterior, inspect firewood storage

DOWNLOAD NOW

WHY CHOOSE PROVEN TERMITE SOLUTIONS

For more than 30 years, Proven Termite Solutions has specialized in termite elimination and prevention across the Bay Area. Our team focuses exclusively on termite control, offering professional fumigation, localized treatments, and soil injection services.

What Sets Us Apart

Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians
Specialists in fumigation and termite elimination
Free inspections and transparent recommendations
Service coverage across the South Bay, Peninsula, and East Bay
Friendly, reliable, and local

Don’t wait. Schedule your FREE Termite Inspection today.

SCHEDULE NOW

HOMEOWNER TERMITE PREVENTION CALENDAR (SEASONAL GUIDE)

WINTER: INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Winter in the Bay Area tends to be cooler and wetter. While termite activity slows slightly, moisture accumulation and hidden leaks can create ideal conditions for future infestations. This is the season to inspect, repair, and prepare. Key Tasks

Schedule an annual termite inspection with a licensed professional. Even if no signs are visible, early detection prevents expensive structural damage.

Inspect the attic, crawl spaces, and foundation for signs of moisture, wood decay, or mud tubes.

Check gutters and downspouts to make sure water drains at least six feet from your foundation.

Seal gaps and cracks around pipes, vents, and entry points.

Trim trees and shrubs so that branches do not touch exterior walls or rooflines.

Test ventilation systems in attics and crawl spaces to prevent humidity buildup.

Professional Tip

Winter is the perfect time to perform maintenance inside the home since termite swarmers are less active. Use this slower season to address small issues before the warmer months bring increased termite movement.

SPRING: SWARM SEASON PREPARATION

Spring marks the start of termite swarming season in California. Drywood and Subterranean termites begin looking for new places to establish colonies. During this time, prevention and vigilance are critical. Key Tasks

Inspect window sills, doors, and baseboards for discarded wings or frass (pellet-like droppings).

Seal small cracks and openings around the foundation, windows, and roof.

Repair plumbing leaks and check under sinks and appliances for moisture.

Reduce mulch buildup near the foundation. Keep at least 12 inches of space between mulch and siding.

Remove debris, cardboard, and scrap wood stored near the house.

Check wooden decks and fences for blistering paint, hollow spots, or wood damage.

Professional Tip

Schedule your annual termite inspection during early spring if you missed it over winter. This helps identify new colonies before they expand. For more details about what happens during an inspection, visit What to Expect from a Termite Inspection.

SUMMER: MOISTURE AND BARRIER CHECKS

The Bay Area’s warm, dry summers can hide moisture problems deep within soil and structures. Subterranean termites stay active underground during this period, often going undetected. Mid-year is the time to focus on exterior barriers and environmental conditions that attract termites. Key Tasks

Inspect your foundation and perimeter for new mud tubes or soil buildup.

Confirm that vents and crawl spaces are dry and unobstructed.

Check irrigation systems and sprinklers to make sure they are not saturating the soil near your foundation.

Refresh the soil barrier by requesting a professional soil injection service if it has been several years since the last treatment. Learn more on our Soil Injection Termite Treatment page.

Repair or replace damaged wood trim, fascia boards, and siding.

Inspect outdoor wooden structures such as patios, fences, and sheds for signs of decay or insect activity.

Professional Tip

If you notice signs of localized activity, schedule a targeted spot treatment. Our Localized Termite Control service effectively addresses smaller infestations without the need for fumigation.

FALL: SEAL AND PROTECT

As temperatures cool and humidity fluctuates, termites search for warmth and shelter. Fall is the perfect time to strengthen your home’s defenses before the next wet season. Key Tasks

Inspect and reseal the home’s exterior. Check caulking around doors, windows, and utility openings.

Store firewood, lumber, and cardboard at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground.

Clean gutters and roof valleys to prevent standing water and wood rot.

Inspect your attic and crawl space again for signs of moisture or leaks that developed during summer.

Have your foundation perimeter inspected by Proven Termite Solutions to ensure barriers are intact before the winter rains return.

Professional Tip

This is an excellent time to review your annual termite warranty or inspection schedule. If it has been over a year since your last fumigation or preventive service, contact Proven Termite Solutions to maintain continuous protection.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION HABITS

Consistent habits are the most powerful defense against termites. Even small actions taken regularly can extend the life of your home’s structural components and prevent future infestations.

Year-Round Habits

​

Schedule an annual inspection to maintain your warranty and peace of mind.

Keep soil and wood separate. Maintain 12–18 inches of clearance between your home’s foundation and landscaping.

Use termite-resistant or treated wood for home repairs and outdoor projects.

Control moisture. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or irrigation systems immediately.

Monitor your attic and crawl space for ventilation and dryness.

Check stored wood and cardboard boxes periodically for pest activity.

Maintain a clean perimeter. Keep vegetation trimmed and debris away from the house.

Professional Tip

Routine professional inspections combined with localized preventive treatments are the most effective strategy for long-term protection. Our technicians can recommend the right maintenance plan based on your home’s risk factors and construction type.

DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST: YEAR-ROUND TERMITE PREVENTION CALENDAR

For easy reference, Proven Termite Solutions offers a free printable checklist outlining monthly and seasonal termite prevention tasks. Keep it on your refrigerator, or store it digitally to remind yourself of key inspection points throughout the year.

Sample Checklist Items

January–March: Schedule inspection, check gutters and attic

April–June: Look for swarmers, seal gaps, remove yard debris

July–September: Check for mud tubes, refresh soil barriers

October–December: Seal exterior, inspect firewood storage

WHY CHOOSE PROVEN TERMITE SOLUTIONS

For more than 30 years, Proven Termite Solutions has specialized in termite elimination and prevention across the Bay Area. Our team focuses exclusively on termite control, offering professional fumigation, localized treatments, and soil injection services.

What Sets Us Apart

Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians

Specialists in fumigation and termite elimination

Free inspections and transparent recommendations

Service coverage across the South Bay, Peninsula, and East Bay

Friendly, reliable, and local

Don’t wait. Schedule your FREE Termite Inspection today.

Winter in the Bay Area tends to be cooler and wetter. While termite activity slows slightly, moisture accumulation and hidden leaks can create ideal conditions for future infestations. This is the season to inspect, repair, and prepare.

Key Tasks

Spring marks the start of termite swarming season in California. Drywood and Subterranean termites begin looking for new places to establish colonies. During this time, prevention and vigilance are critical.

Key Tasks

Schedule your annual termite inspection during early spring if you missed it over winter. This helps identify new colonies before they expand.

For more details about what happens during an inspection, visit What to Expect from a Termite Inspection.

The Bay Area’s warm, dry summers can hide moisture problems deep within soil and structures. Subterranean termites stay active underground during this period, often going undetected. Mid-year is the time to focus on exterior barriers and environmental conditions that attract termites.

Key Tasks

As temperatures cool and humidity fluctuates, termites search for warmth and shelter. Fall is the perfect time to strengthen your home’s defenses before the next wet season.

Key Tasks