If termites are found in a small, accessible area, spot treatment is the fastest and most affordable option. Our licensed technicians inject pesticide directly into confirmed galleries for immediate, targeted elimination.
What Is Spot Treatment?
Spot treatment (also called injection treatment or local treatment) is a targeted termite elimination method that involves drilling small access holes and injecting pesticide directly into confirmed termite galleries. It is the most precise, least invasive, and most affordable treatment option — and the right choice when an infestation is small, well-defined, and in an accessible location.
Spot treatment is often the starting point for homeowners who catch an infestation early, and it can be completed in a few hours with no evacuation and no major preparation.
How Spot Treatment Works
Inspection and Gallery Mapping
Our inspector identifies the full extent of the infestation by:
- Tapping wood for hollow areas
- Looking for frass (termite droppings) and kick-out holes
- Using moisture meters in suspect areas
- Visually tracing gallery patterns
Only after we're confident we've mapped the full infestation do we proceed. Spot treatment is only appropriate when we're certain the infestation is fully localized.
Drilling
Small holes (approximately 3/16") are drilled at strategic intervals along the gallery network. We drill at points that give maximum access to the gallery system while minimizing visible damage.
Injection
We inject a termiticide — typically Tim-bor (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate), Termidor foam, or a similar professional-grade product — directly into the gallery under pressure. The pesticide spreads through the gallery network, coating walls and killing termites on contact.
Sealing and Patching
Drill holes are plugged with wood filler and sanded flush. Finished surfaces can be painted or stained to match after treatment.
Documentation
Every treated area is photographed and documented. Our written warranty specifies exactly what was treated and the warranty coverage period.
When Is Spot Treatment the Right Choice?
Spot treatment is appropriate when:
- The infestation is confirmed in a specific, accessible location — not suspected throughout the structure
- Frass and kick-out holes are localized to one area (e.g., a single window frame or wall section)
- The inspection finds no evidence of termites elsewhere in the structure
- You have a tight budget and the infestation is clearly minor
- You want the least invasive option for a small, early-stage problem
When Spot Treatment Is NOT Enough
Spot treatment should be avoided when:
- Termites are found in multiple areas of the home
- The extent of the infestation is unknown — if we can't be sure the infestation is fully mapped
- Previous spot treatments have not controlled the infestation
- The home hasn't been inspected in years and widespread activity is likely
In these situations, we recommend fumigation or a no-tent whole-structure treatment to avoid leaving untreated termites behind.
What Pesticides Are Used?
We use EPA-registered, professional-grade products:
- Tim-bor (Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate) — borate-based, low toxicity, kills termites by disrupting their gut microbiome
- Termidor Foam — fipronil in foam carrier, expands into gallery and transfers to colony members
- Premise (Imidacloprid) — systemic insecticide effective in gallery injection applications
Product selection is based on the location, species, and specific conditions of the infestation.
Cost and Warranty
Spot treatment is the most affordable termite treatment option. Pricing depends on the number of treatment locations, but most spot treatments for small infestations in Southern California range from $300–$800.
All spot treatments include a 1-year warranty on treated areas. If active termite activity returns in a treated area within the warranty period, we re-treat at no charge.
Serving Southern California Homeowners
Our licensed technicians provide spot treatment throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and Riverside County. CA License #PR7791.