In Long Beach, termite talk is about drywood termites. Unlike the subterranean species of the East and South, drywood termites live entirely inside wood, need almost no moisture and fly in from neighboring buildings or trees. The city's mild climate, lack of hard freezes and dense housing make them a standing concern for owners of nearly every kind of property.
Termite types in Southern California
Western drywood termites are the most frequent structural pest. They nest in roof framing, fascia, eaves, window sills, decks and wooden furniture, leaving behind tiny six-sided pellets called frass. Subterranean termites occur too, living in soil and building mud tubes, often in homes with slab cracks or wood-to-soil contact. Dampwood termites are found in decaying, wet wood, sometimes near leaks along the coast. A thorough inspection identifies which are present because each calls for a different treatment.
Why Long Beach homes are exposed
Spanish-style and stucco homes in Belmont Shore, Naples, Bixby Knolls and Alamitos Beach have attic spaces, wood fascia and decorative beams where drywood termites settle. Craftsman bungalows in Bluff Park and Belmont Heights use plenty of exposed wood trim, porches and pergolas. Houses are often packed closely together, so winged swarmers easily move between neighboring properties, meaning a single treated home may be reinfested from next door. Postwar ranch homes in Lakewood Village and Los Altos have eaves and gable vents that give flying termites access to attics. Wood decks, backyard fences and patio covers also host colonies.
Evidence to check
- Small piles of hard, sand-colored pellets beneath window frames, on sills or under beams.
- Discarded wings near windows after a swarm, most often in late summer or autumn on warm days.
- Blistered or hollow-sounding wood, especially in eaves and trim.
- Tiny round kick-out holes in wood surfaces.
- Mud tubes along foundation walls for subterranean termites.
Treatment approaches
For widespread drywood infestations, whole-structure fumigation with a tent is the standard approach, because the gas reaches colonies inside walls and framing that cannot be seen. For limited, accessible activity, providers may use localized methods like injected liquids, foams, heat or borate wood treatments. Subterranean termites are handled with soil treatments or bait systems. After treatment, damaged wood may need to be repaired or replaced. Fumigation involves preparing the home, bagging food and medicines and leaving for a couple of days, and a licensed provider will give specific instructions.
Reducing the risk
- Seal cracks and holes in stucco, fascia and trim, and paint exposed wood.
- Screen attic and gable vents with fine mesh.
- Store firewood and lumber away from the house, and inspect secondhand wood furniture before moving it inside.
- Repair leaks that dampen wood, especially around roofs and plumbing.
- Schedule inspections every year or two, especially before selling.
Connecting with a provider
PestMinistry is a referral service. When you call (844) 725-1661, we match you with an independent licensed termite provider in our network who works in Long Beach and can explain inspection findings and options directly to you.
Termite questions in Long Beach
Do I need to tent my whole house?
Not always. Limited infestations may be treated locally, while widespread ones are usually fumigated. An inspector can recommend one or the other.
Can termites come from my neighbor?
Yes. Swarmers fly and can land on nearby roofs and eaves, which is common in tightly built neighborhoods.
Are Craftsman homes at higher risk?
Exposed wood trim and older framing give drywood termites more to work with, though any wood-framed home can be affected.
How often should I get an inspection?
Many homeowners do it every year or two, and always when buying or selling.