Question 1 is environment. San Diego is a home to both airborne and subt type of termites. Double trouble. Other areas around the country don’t have airborne termites but do have subt types. Also anything with wood framing is gonna be a home to these types of pests. Try as youy might they will get into the home through small seams, cracks, exhausts, etc to escape the heat and set up camp.
Question 2 yeah I would recommend a synthetic product like trex or something similar.
