Not all Riverside neighborhoods face the same level of termite risk. Factors like the age of homes, construction materials, proximity to irrigation, and soil type all play a role in how likely a property is to attract termites. Here is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of termite risk across Riverside, CA.
Wood Streets — High Risk
The Wood Streets neighborhood is one of the most charming areas in Riverside — and also one of the most vulnerable to termite damage. Homes here were built primarily in the 1920s through 1950s, featuring wood-frame construction, original hardwood floors, and mature landscaping.
The combination of older wood, established root systems, and irrigated gardens creates ideal conditions for both drywood and subterranean termites. If you own a home in the Wood Streets, annual inspections are strongly recommended.
Arlington Heights — High Risk
Another historic Riverside neighborhood, Arlington Heights features homes dating back to the early 1900s. Many properties still have original wood siding, older attic framing, and crawlspaces that may lack modern moisture barriers.
The dense tree canopy and well-watered landscaping in Arlington Heights also attract subterranean termites, which build colonies in moist soil and tunnel toward wood structures.
Canyon Crest — Moderate to High Risk
Canyon Crest sits on the hillside above the UC Riverside campus and features a mix of mid-century and newer construction. While newer homes may have better termite-resistant materials, the older homes in lower Canyon Crest are frequently affected by drywood termites.
The area's eucalyptus trees and native brush also contribute to a higher-than-average termite population in the surrounding soil.
Mission Grove — Moderate Risk
Mission Grove is a popular family neighborhood with homes built primarily in the 1980s and 1990s. While these homes are newer than those in the Wood Streets or Arlington Heights, they are still well within the age range where termite issues begin to appear.
Subterranean termites are the primary concern in Mission Grove, particularly in homes with stucco exteriors where mud tubes can be harder to spot along the foundation.
La Sierra — Moderate Risk
The La Sierra area of western Riverside has a mix of housing ages. Older homes near La Sierra Avenue face similar risks to Arlington Heights, while newer construction toward the 91 freeway tends to have better termite prevention built in.
The key risk factor in La Sierra is the agricultural history of the area — former citrus groves left behind rich, moist soil that subterranean termites thrive in.
Orangecrest and Mission Grove South — Lower Risk
Newer developments in Orangecrest and Mission Grove South benefit from modern building codes that require termite-resistant materials and pre-construction soil treatment. However, "lower risk" does not mean "no risk."
Subterranean termites can still find their way into newer homes through:
- Cracks in concrete slab foundations
- Gaps around plumbing penetrations
- Untreated wood additions like decks or pergolas
Downtown Riverside — Moderate to High Risk
The Downtown Riverside area, including the neighborhoods around the Mission Inn and Fairmount Park, contains some of the oldest residential and commercial structures in the city. Buildings dating back to the late 1800s are common, and many have experienced termite issues multiple times throughout their history.
If you own property in downtown Riverside, a professional termite inspection at least once a year is essential.
Factors That Increase Risk Anywhere in Riverside
Regardless of your neighborhood, certain conditions raise your termite risk:
- Homes older than 20 years without previous termite treatment
- Wood-to-soil contact at the foundation or porch posts
- Irrigated landscaping within 3 feet of the foundation
- Mature trees with root systems near the structure
- Leaky plumbing or poor drainage under or around the home
- Firewood stored against the house or garage
Get Your Free Neighborhood Risk Assessment
Every Riverside neighborhood has its own unique termite challenges. The best way to know your property's actual risk level is to have a licensed inspector evaluate it in person.