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High RiskTermite Control in Northwood, Irvine, CA
California-licensed termite inspectors serving Northwood and all of Orange County. Free whole-structure inspections, honest treatment recommendations, and every method available — from orange oil to tent fumigation.
Northwood is the OLDEST Irvine village by primary housing age in our service area — over 60% of homes were built 1977-1979, meaning structural framing is now 46 to 48 years old, squarely in the primary drywood-risk window. Northwood is also UNIQUE among Irvine villages because it was NOT developed by The Irvine Company — instead developed independently by aggregating 23 land parcels previously held by Irvine Ranch foremen and employees, with multiple individual builders producing varied construction quality across the village rather than the master-planned uniformity of newer Irvine villages. This independent development also means MOST Northwood homes are NOT under HOA control (exceptions include the gated sub-communities Park Paseo, Park Place, Woodside, and Arbor Crest), which produces inconsistent maintenance histories and varied preventive treatment status across properties. Pre-Bora-Care era construction means the framing protection used in newer Irvine villages (2001-2004 California Building Code era) does not apply here. Mature eucalyptus windrows (some 100+ years old) along Irvine Avenue and Bryan Avenue create distinctive microclimate effects, with wood-to-soil contact opportunities at tree bases and fallen branches across community landscape.
About Northwood
Community Type
Neighborhood, Orange County
Construction Era
1977-1979 (peak construction; >60% of homes built in this 3-year window with 66 models across 18 tracts on sale simultaneously); newer sub-areas Northwood Pointe (late 1990s) and Northwood Estates / Northwood II (2004-2007)
ZIP Code
92620
CA License
Structural Pest Control Board #PR7791
Phone
(714) 240-2800
Reviews
4.9★ rating from Southern California homeowners (Google verified)
Termite Risk in Northwood
Northwood homes face elevated termite pressure due to the area's construction history, local climate, and housing stock characteristics. Our inspectors are familiar with the specific conditions in Northwood and what to look for.
Warm Climate Year-Round
Northwood's mild temperatures allow termite colonies to remain active throughout the year — unlike colder climates where activity slows in winter. There is no "off season" for termites in Southern California.
Aging Wood Structures
Northwood features 1977-1979 (peak construction; >60% of homes built in this 3-year window with 66 models across 18 tracts on sale simultaneously); newer sub-areas northwood pointe (late 1990s) and northwood estates / northwood ii (2004-2007). Older wood framing, fascia, and eaves are more susceptible to drywood termite infestation, especially if paint or sealant has deteriorated.
Moisture and Humidity
Moisture from coastal air, irrigation, and local drainage patterns creates ideal conditions for subterranean termites, which require soil moisture to thrive. Foundation areas, crawlspaces, and soil-to-wood contact points are especially vulnerable.
Established Landscaping
Mature trees, irrigated gardens, and established landscaping in older communities like Northwood maintain the soil moisture that subterranean termite colonies need. Regular irrigation near foundation perimeters is a common risk factor.
Inspector Note — Northwood
“Northwood inspections look very different from any other Irvine village I cover — the housing is the OLDEST Irvine I work with (1977-1979 construction now 46+ years old), the development was NOT by The Irvine Company so construction quality varies significantly between tracts and between individual builders, and most homes are NOT under HOA architectural review which means maintenance histories and preventive treatment status vary house to house. Two finding patterns I see across Northwood properties consistently: drywood termite activity in fascia boards along the eave lines, and dry rot damage on exterior patio structures — both functions of how 46+ year old exterior wood has weathered through nearly five decades of Santa Ana wind cycles and seasonal moisture exposure. The mature eucalyptus windrows along Irvine Avenue and Bryan Avenue (some 100+ years old) are the visible distinguishing feature of the village, but they're also a real factor in my inspections — wood-to-soil contact at tree bases and fallen branches across community landscape create additional findings beyond the home structures themselves.”
Signs of Termites in Your Northwood Home
Termites rarely announce themselves. These are the warning signs Northwood homeowners most commonly miss until the damage is already significant.
Frass / Droppings
Small hexagonal pellets that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds appearing below eaves, window frames, or baseboards. This is drywood termite waste and a definitive sign of active infestation.
Kickout Holes
Tiny round holes (about 1mm) in wood surfaces — typically in eaves, fascia, or door frames — where drywood termites push frass out of their galleries.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tapping on structural wood that sounds hollow or papery indicates termites have consumed the interior while leaving a thin outer shell. Common in attic beams, window sills, and floor joists.
Mud Tubes
Pencil-width tunnels of mud and debris running along foundation walls, pipes, or exterior surfaces. These are the travel highways of subterranean termites, built to maintain moisture as they move from soil to wood.
Swarmers / Flying Termites
Winged termites (alates) emerging from walls or flying near windows are a strong sign a mature colony is nearby. They shed their wings quickly — discarded wings on windowsills are a common clue.
Blistering Paint
Paint that bubbles, blisters, or peels from the inside out — without an obvious water source — can indicate subterranean termites tunneling through wall framing, introducing moisture as they work.
Termite Treatments Available in Northwood
We offer every proven treatment method. After a free inspection, our licensed inspector recommends the right approach for your specific infestation and home type.
Tent Fumigation
The most thorough drywood termite treatment. The entire structure is tented and fumigated with Vikane gas, eliminating all drywood termites throughout the home. Required for severe or whole-house infestations.
Tent fumigation details →Orange Oil Treatment
A no-tent alternative using d-limonene (orange oil) injected directly into termite galleries. Effective for localized drywood infestations. No need to leave home. Eco-friendly and low-odor.
Orange oil treatment details →Heat Treatment
The structure or specific areas are heated to 135–150°F, killing all termites and eggs without chemicals. Effective for drywood termites and can treat the whole structure without tenting.
Heat treatment details →Termidor / Liquid Treatment
A perimeter soil treatment using Termidor (fipronil) that creates a protective zone around the foundation. Highly effective for subterranean termites. Long-lasting and transfers through the colony.
Termidor liquid barrier details →We offer 6 treatment methods in total. View all treatment options
Termite Services in Northwood
Explore detailed information about each treatment method available to Northwood homeowners.
Tent Fumigation
$1,500–$4,000
Whole-structure drywood termite elimination using Vikane gas
Learn about Tent FumigationOrange Oil Treatment
$500–$1,500
No-tent drywood termite treatment using natural d-limonene
Learn about Orange Oil TreatmentHeat Treatment
$1,200–$3,500
Chemical-free termite elimination using thermal heat
Learn about Heat TreatmentTermite Inspection
Free
Free whole-structure termite and WDO inspection
Learn about Termite InspectionSubterranean Termite Treatment
$800–$2,500
Termidor liquid barrier for subterranean termite elimination
Learn about Subterranean Termite TreatmentDrywood Termite Treatment
$300–$1,500
Targeted drywood termite elimination using spot treatment or orange oil
Learn about Drywood Termite TreatmentTermite Damage Repair
$200–$8,000+
Licensed repair of termite-damaged wood and structural members
Learn about Termite Damage RepairReal Estate Termite Inspection
$295 flat fee
Section 1 & 2 WDO reports for escrow, VA/FHA loans, and real estate transactions
Learn about Real Estate Termite InspectionDry Rot Repair
Free inspection
Licensed dry rot inspection and repair — moisture source diagnosis, structural and cosmetic wood replacement, Bora-Care protection.
Learn about Dry Rot RepairBora-Care Treatment
$900–$1,900
Long-lasting preventive protection for wood framing using Bora-Care. Guards against termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi. Ideal for new construction, remodels, and post-fumigation protection.
Learn about Bora-Care TreatmentWhy Northwood Homeowners Choose Ultimate Termite
Not all termite companies are the same. Here's how we compare to national chains.
| Factor | Ultimate Termite | Orkin / Terminix / Western |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty | Termites only — it's all we do | General pest control with termite add-on |
| Inspector | CA-licensed structural pest inspector | General technician |
| CA License | #PR7791 — Structural Pest Control Board | Various (may vary by technician) |
| Free Inspection | Yes — full whole-structure inspection | Yes, but sales-focused |
| Treatment Options | All 6 methods available | Limited options (usually 2–3) |
| Local | Orange County, CA — locally owned | National corporations |
Serving Northwood and Nearby Areas
Northwood is the largest Irvine village by population, located in north-central Irvine bordered by I-5, Culver Drive, Portola Parkway, and Jeffrey Road. We serve all of Northwood as part of our Irvine service area, with full coverage of the original 1977-1979 housing stock, the late-1990s Northwood Pointe sub-community, the gated Northwood Estates / Northwood II (2004-2007), and the surrounding sub-tracts including Park Paseo, Park Place, Woodside, and Arbor Crest. Free inspections are available for all Northwood properties.
View Northwood's risk level on our interactive termite risk map →
Frequently Asked Questions — Northwood Termite Control
How is termite pressure different in Northwood compared to newer Irvine villages?
Northwood is the OLDEST Irvine village by primary housing age — over 60% of homes were built 1977-1979, meaning structural framing is now 46 to 48 years old, squarely in the primary drywood-risk window. Northwood is also UNIQUE among Irvine villages because it was NOT developed by The Irvine Company — it was developed independently by aggregating 23 land parcels previously held by Irvine Ranch foremen and employees, with multiple individual builders producing varied construction quality. Most Northwood homes are NOT under HOA architectural review (exceptions: gated sub-communities Park Paseo, Park Place, Woodside, Arbor Crest), which produces inconsistent maintenance histories and varied preventive treatment status across the village. Pre-Bora-Care era construction means the framing protection used in newer Irvine villages does not apply here.
How does Northwood's lack of HOA architectural review affect termite inspections and repairs?
Most Northwood homes are NOT under HOA architectural review — only the gated sub-communities (Park Paseo, Park Place, Woodside, Arbor Crest) and Northwood Estates / Northwood II have HOA-managed architectural standards. For non-HOA Northwood properties, this produces meaningful variation house-to-house in original construction quality, accumulated maintenance history, and preventive treatment status — properties with consistent owner-managed maintenance look very different on inspection from properties that have changed hands multiple times or accumulated deferred maintenance. Treatment options are unrestricted by HOA on non-HOA properties, which gives homeowners full flexibility on treatment selection (tent fumigation, heat, orange oil, Termidor, Bora-Care). On HOA-managed properties in the gated sub-communities, repair work after treatment may need to coordinate with HOA architectural standards, particularly on exterior architectural elements visible from community streets.
What types of damage do you typically find on Northwood homes?
Two finding types are common across Northwood inspections: drywood termite activity in fascia boards along the eave lines, and dry rot damage on exterior patio structures. The fascia drywood is a function of housing age — 46 to 48 years of exposure on horizontal trim wood that's a primary drywood entry point, particularly on homes that haven't received preventive framing treatment. The dry rot on patio structures reflects how exterior wood has weathered over the same time period — Northwood patios with original 1977-1979 wood framing, posts, and overhead beams have absorbed nearly five decades of moisture cycles and Santa Ana wind exposure, producing dry rot damage that often coincides with adjacent drywood activity. We document both finding types in the WDO report and coordinate treatment for the drywood activity alongside repair recommendations for the dry rot damage.
Does Ultimate Termite serve all of Northwood including the newer sub-communities?
Yes — we serve all of Northwood as part of our Irvine service area, including the original 1977-1979 housing stock that comprises most of the village, the late-1990s Northwood Pointe sub-community, the gated Northwood Estates / Northwood II (2004-2007), and the gated sub-tracts Park Paseo, Park Place, Woodside, and Arbor Crest. Free inspections are available for all Northwood properties. Inspection patterns vary based on which Northwood era the property belongs to — 46-year-old original construction has different finding patterns than 20-year-old gated estates.
How do the mature eucalyptus windrows along Irvine and Bryan Avenues affect termite inspections in Northwood?
The eucalyptus windrows along Irvine Avenue and Bryan Avenue are the visible distinguishing feature of Northwood — many trees are over 100 years old, preserved from the original Irvine Ranch landscape, and provide significant Santa Ana wind protection across the village. They also create real inspection considerations: wood-to-soil contact at tree bases creates subterranean termite entry opportunities, and fallen branches across community landscape and onto private property create additional wood-to-soil contact points beyond the structural framing itself. We extend inspection focus to landscape-adjacent property areas on Northwood properties where mature eucalyptus is present near foundation perimeters or accessory structures.
Ready to Protect Your Northwood Home?
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