Every House in LA Has This Problem
Termites are one of those things no one really wants to talk about, but if you own property in Los Angeles, they’re not optional — they’re part of the deal. After nearly 20 years in real estate, I can say this with complete certainty: every single transaction has termites show up in some capacity. Sometimes it’s minimal, sometimes it’s more significant, but they are always there. It doesn’t matter how nice the house is, how recently it was renovated, or what the price point is — termites don’t care.
That’s exactly why a termite inspection when buying a home is so important. Unlike most issues, termites aren’t something you’re going to notice walking through a property. They live inside the structure — behind walls, in attic framing, under floors — completely out of sight. By the time there are visible signs, there’s usually already been activity for a while. I’ve seen buyers spend a few hundred dollars on an inspection and uncover tens of thousands of dollars in damage that no one knew existed. That one report can completely change a deal — either through credits, repairs, or just understanding what you’re actually buying.
Out here, you’re typically dealing with two types. Drywood termites — the ones that fly — live directly inside the wood itself. You’ll usually notice them by the small pellet-like droppings they leave behind, which look a bit like sawdust. These are extremely common, especially in older Los Feliz homes with original wood and character details. Then there are subterranean termites — the ones that come from the ground. They travel through mud tubes into the home and tend to show up around foundations or crawl spaces where there’s moisture. These can be more aggressive over time if left untreated and are the ones that can lead to more serious structural issues.
And this isn’t just something that matters when you’re buying. If you own a home in Southern California, a termite inspection should be part of your regular maintenance — ideally once a year. It’s no different than servicing a roof or HVAC system. Catching something early is the difference between a straightforward treatment and a much larger repair down the line.
For termite inspections and work, I’ve used the same company for years — Global Termite Solutions — and I use them in just about every Los Angeles transaction I’m involved in as well as in my own home. They’re thorough, straightforward, and they don’t have a tendency to turn every situation into a major project, which is more common in this industry than it should be. Their reports are clear, and they’re the group I trust to give an honest read on what’s actually going on.
Termites aren’t a reason to walk away from a property, they’re just part of owning real estate in LA. But understanding them, and staying ahead of them, is what protects you.
