About Us
Lighting the Way to Peace of Mind.
At Lighthouse Termite Control, we’re dedicated to protecting homes across San Diego County with honest, effective, and reliable termite solutions. Our local team takes pride in delivering thorough inspections, quality treatments, and lasting repairs — all with integrity, care, and a commitment to your peace of mind.

Our Story
Established in 2013, Lighthouse Termite Control was founded on a simple but powerful belief — that termite control should be honest, efficient, and built on trust. Too often, homeowners were met with unnecessary upsells and inflated prices. Lighthouse was created to be different — a company that shines with integrity and focuses on what truly matters: protecting your home.
After considerable years in the industry, founders Jim Ceseña and Max Metzler saw the need for change. Drawing on their experience with both small family businesses and large corporate companies, they built Lighthouse Termite Control around transparency, quality, and personal service.
Today, that vision continues to guide everything we do — from detailed inspections to long-term protection plans — ensuring every customer receives reliable solutions and lasting peace of mind.
Meet the Team
At Lighthouse Termite Control, our crew is made up of dedicated inspectors, repair specialists, and customer care pros who take pride in protecting homes across San Diego County. We’re more than just a team — we’re the people behind the light, guiding homeowners to safe, termite-free spaces with honesty, precision, and care.
Whether you’re scheduling an escrow inspection or starting a long-term protection plan, our experts are here to help every step of the way.

With nearly four decades in the termite and pest control industry, James Cesena brings unmatched expertise, leadership, and passion to every inspection. Since beginning his career in 1987, Jim has built his reputation on integrity, thoroughness, and a genuine commitment to protecting homes and families across Southern California, and has been a licensed operating manager for over 20 years. His oversight and training has ensured that every client receives the highest level of service.
For Jim, the inspection process is a bit like detective work. Termites may hide, but his experience and knowledge will find evidence of their infestation, and his goal is to uncover it with precision and care. His reports are known for their exceptional detail and clarity, outlining exactly what needs to be treated, replaced or repaired, complete with accurate measurements and materials. That commitment to transparency ensures homeowners always understand exactly what work is to be done, without the vagueness that less thorough reporting can produce.
Jim’s philosophy is simple: treat every property as if it were his own, and every client with respect. He believes termite prevention doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes consistency and attention.
When he’s not working, Jim’s time is devoted entirely to his family and his many pets (especially his dogs), as well as a variety of hobbies that help him relax and sharpen his mind in order to give customers the best possible quality of service.
James (Jim) Ceseña
Owner & License Operator | 38 Years of Experience
OPR #12376

With 25 years in the pest control and termite industry, Max brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to excellence behind the scenes. Max is known for his attention to detail and unwavering integrity, ensuring that every project runs smoothly, safely, and in full compliance with industry regulations—helping clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Max’s approach is rooted in honesty, integrity and transparency. He believes every homeowner and agent deserves clear communication and dependable service as well as results. Whether coordinating a complex jobs or clarifying industry requirements, Max’s decades of experience help bridge the gap between inspection, treatment, repair, and lasting protection for your home.
He’s passionate about educating clients on the importance of acting early when it comes to termite prevention—reminding them that “waiting is expensive.” His practical insight and dedication make him a trusted resource for both customers and colleagues alike, often taking calls and questions from Agents who are seeking clarity about termite issues that were unclear or vague from other sources.
Outside of work, Max has dedicated years to serving his community through citizens patrols and compassionate outreach efforts across San Diego. When he’s not helping others, he enjoys reading good books, and attending fun events with his wife and their corgi; combining curiosity, creativity, and a love for history in everything he does. Whether he’s overseeing compliance details or deep into a new book series, Max’s mind never stops.
Max Metzler
Business/Finance Officer | 25 Years of Experience

Alex is a highly experienced inspector with decades of hands-on knowledge in the termite and pest industry. His focus on thorough and accurate inspections ensures that customers receive service that will keep their home safe for the future.
He believes that attention to the details is critical to ensuring that customers get accurate estimates, which reflect high quality and value for their investment into their home; and remains involved in the process from the initial inspection scheduling, to the in-depth review with our repair and treatment crew to the final statement of completion. Honesty, transparency and integrity at all stages of work make him a perfect part of the Lighthouse Termite team.
When not helping customers protect their valuable homes, Alex spends time focused on family and neighbors, supporting local businesses at farmer’s markets and hiking through the beautiful trails of wildlands. As a lifelong San Diego native, he feels a strong connection to our wonderful community and to the amazing people who call it home.
Alex Jaimes
.Operator / Inspector | 25 Years of Experience
OPR #14176

.
.
.

.
.
.
Trusted by Real Estate Professionals














