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Marine & Boat Termite Inspections
Drywood termites are a serious threat to wooden boat components, docks, and marina structures across Southern California. Our licensed inspectors serve Newport Beach, Long Beach, Dana Point, and marina communities throughout Orange County and LA County.
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Why Boats Need Termite Inspections
Wood Components at Risk
Wooden hull frames, structural members, interior cabinetry, teak decking, and trim are all prime targets for drywood termites — same as any wood structure on land.
Marina Environment
Warm, humid marina air is ideal for termite swarmers. Boats docked near infested structures — onshore buildings, piers, neighboring boats — are at constant risk of new colonization.
Stored Boats Especially Vulnerable
Boats stored on land during the off-season sit stationary near soil, vegetation, and structures that may harbor existing colonies. Swarmers that land on an unoccupied boat can establish undetected for months.
Swarmers from Nearby Structures
Termite swarmers from infested marina buildings, docks, and neighboring properties regularly land on boats at dock. An untreated infestation in one boat or structure puts the entire marina at elevated risk.
What We Inspect
Wooden Hull Frames & Structural Members
Interior framing, ribs, stringers, and structural wood components — assessed for galleries, frass, hollow sections, and evidence of active infestation.
Interior Cabinetry & Trim
Cabinets, berth frames, bulkheads, and all interior wood trim. Drywood termites frequently establish in cabinetry and spread into structural members over time.
Docks & Marina Structures
Wooden docks, gangways, piers, and pilings. Both drywood termites (upper structure) and subterranean termites (soil-contact areas) are assessed.
RVs & Motorhomes
RVs with wood framing — particularly older units with solid wood cabinetry, floor decking, and wall framing — are susceptible to drywood termite infestation. We inspect and treat using no-tent methods.
Marine Service Areas
We serve marinas and boat owners throughout Southern California coastal communities.
Newport Beach Marina
Newport Harbor and Balboa Island marina communities
Long Beach Marina / Rainbow Harbor
Long Beach waterfront and Shoreline Village marina
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point and Capistrano Beach marina communities
Huntington Beach Marina
Huntington Harbour and Sunset Beach
San Pedro / Port of LA
San Pedro, Wilmington, and Terminal Island marina areas
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey waterfront communities
Treatment Options for Boats & Marine Structures
Full tent fumigation is not practical for most boats — we use no-tent methods that are safe, effective, and don't require moving the vessel out of the water.
Orange Oil (No-Tent)
Best for boatsD-limonene orange oil is injected directly into termite galleries through small drill holes. No fumigation gas, no tent, and no need to move the boat from the slip. Most effective for localized infestations in accessible wood.
Learn more →Heat Treatment
Chemical-freeInterior spaces are heated to 130°F+, killing all termites and eggs without chemicals. Effective for treating entire cabin interiors without tenting. No residue, no re-entry waiting period.
Learn more →Spot Treatment
TargetedTargeted injection treatment for confirmed gallery locations identified during inspection. The most precise option when infestation is limited to specific, accessible wood members.
Learn more →Marine Termite FAQ
Can boats get termites?
Yes. Drywood termites infest wooden boat components including structural frames, interior cabinetry, teak decking, and trim. Marina environments — with warm, humid air and proximity to infested onshore structures — create ideal conditions for drywood termite swarmers to enter boats at dock or in storage.
What's the best termite treatment for a boat?
Orange oil (d-limonene) injection is typically the best option for localized boat infestations — no tent, no gas, applied directly to affected wood. Heat treatment is an effective chemical-free alternative for enclosed interior spaces. Full tent fumigation is not practical for most boats due to shape and portability requirements.
Do you inspect docks and marina structures?
Yes. Wooden docks, piers, gangways, and marina support structures are common termite targets. We inspect accessible wooden marina infrastructure and provide written reports with findings. Wooden structures with soil contact are assessed for subterranean termites in addition to drywood.
Schedule a Marine Termite Inspection
Serving Newport Beach, Long Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, San Pedro, and Marina del Rey.