How Much Does Termite Treatment & Control Cost?

Average Cost of Termite Treatment

Chemical Extermination Cost

Chemical treatments cost about $3 to $16 per linear foot. Exterminators may use a combination of these termiticides and repellents to kill existing infestations and discourage regrowth:

• Arsenic Trioxide

• Bifenthrin

• Fipronil

• Imidacloprid

• Permethrin

Professionals usually take this approach for infestations that haven't permeated the home. The process involves creating trenches or drilling holes around the exterior of a home, often directly into the foundation. The pro then pours liquid chemicals into the holes or trenches. Treatments will continue until there is no more activity.

Termidor

Termidor is a popular brand of termiticide that controls subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. It is available only to licensed professionals. Homeowners should consult a Termidor Certified Professional in their area for pricing.

Cost to Get Rid of Termites with Bait

Termite bait systems cost around $8 to $12 per linear foot. Pros may charge more for the placement of additional baits after initial installation. This form of treatment often costs more than chemical application because it is less precise and may require more visits.

This approach works by poisoning an attractive food source that the pests bring back to the colony. The process involves drilling holes and placing bait stations around a home. Bait extermination requires routine inspections to ensure that the baits are effective in their current locations.

Sentricon System Cost

Sentricon is a popular termite bait system that can be installed outdoors or inside. Baits contain a toxin that affects these insects, but not humans, pets or plants. Homeowners should contact a Certified Sentricon Specialist for an estimate.

Termite Tenting Cost

Treatment for the entire home ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 or more and often requires tenting the house. Prices may be set as a flat rate or by size, around $5 to $20 per linear foot.

There are two common approaches that involve tenting. These methods usually cost more because they cover a larger area. Since they target the home structures only, they may not be effective against underground termite infestations.

Termite Fumigation Cost

Termite fumigation costs $10 to $20 per linear foot, or $1,200 to $2,500 for the average home.

This is a more aggressive form of extermination for activity throughout the entire house. The technique involves pumping lethal gas into the tent-enclosed house. The process takes several hours. Residents, pets and plants must remain out of the house for 3 to 5 days. Your fumigation pro will include any home attachments like a patio or garage.

Cost to Tent a House for Heat Extermination

Heat treatment averages about $800 to $2,500, or around $10 per linear foot. Homeowners may prefer this because it is chemical-free, organic pest control. It can work for the entire house or for localized activity in a dining room, basement or attic.

The process, which normally takes about eight hours, involves a professional who will complete the following steps:

1. Enclose the home in a tent to control internal temperature.

2. Force hot air inside until it reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Monitor the home's structural wood temperature until it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit, to eliminate termite colonies and activity.

4. Take down the tent and allow homeowners to return after the inside temperature returns to normal.

Termite Removal Costs by Type

Termite removal ranges from $225 to $2,500, depending on the species and the size of the infestation.

Subterranean Termite Treatment Costs

Exterminating subterranean termites costs around $225 to $900 for localized problems, or up to $2,500 for the entire home. The best treatments call for chemicals or baits placed into the soil around the structure or in the foundation.

Subterranean species can be the most damaging because they build underground connections between colonies. They feast on wood as a food source but live in the soil.

Drywood Termite Removal

Drywood termite treatment averages $225 to $2,500, depending on their location and the elimination method. Some professionals are willing to place baits or apply chemical termiticides inside. In this case, the pro drills a hole in the wood and installs a bait station or a chemical gel or foam to kill the pests. Large drywood colonies may call for tenting, at a price range of $1,200 or $2,500 or more.

Controlling Dampwood Termites

The price of dampwood termite control goes from $225 to $2,500, similar in expense to drywood. These pests rely on moist wood for survival. Homes with high humidity need moisture control to prevent a resurgence; this may cost extra.

Prevention Methods & Costs

Termite Bond or Contract Costs

A termite bond ranges from $500 to $2,000 and works like a warranty for regular treatment. The actual protection plan cost relates to the type of service provided. Usually, the professional will set an interval to come back and inspect the property as necessary. This contract offers an extra layer of termite protection.

Pre-Construction Termite Protection Costs

Applying repellent to prevent termites from developing a colony may cost as much as a regular treatment, or $225 to $2,500. Which method the professional uses depends on when they visit the construction site to apply the treatment. Spraying repellent on soil prior to the installation of the foundation may take less time. Pros may choose to apply chemical termiticides and repellents to the carpentry before drywall installation.

Other approaches include mixing repellent (such as permethrin) to paint, wallpaper adhesive, floor polish, and even to the concrete used in basements and foundations.

Orkin Termite Treatment vs. Terminix Exterminators

Orkin and Terminix are two popular extermination companies with multiple service providers.

Orkin:

• Service options include liquid or foam chemicals and baits

• 30-day guarantee

• Call for a free estimate Terminix:

• Service providers offer liquid chemicals, baits and tenting

• Satisfaction guaranteed, depending on area

• Call for a free inspection and quote

Damage Repair Costs

Once the termite treatment has neutralized the threat, homeowners may have to pay for additional repairs:

• cost to repair carpentry framing: $1,050

• price to install attic insulation: $1,900

• expense to clean and repair a crawl space: $6,000

• estimate to repair drywall: $500

Termite Inspection and Treatment Costs

A termite inspection costs $50 to $280, or $100 on average. All new construction must pass this test as a protection for the first property owner. Most companies offer a free initial termite inspection for current property owners. This includes looking at a home's exterior around the foundation and the surrounding grounds for pests. These insects build tunnels, called tubes, where a colony could be living underground.

Pros check these places for signs of infestation and damage:

• crawl space

• basement

• overhead timber

• floors

• windows

• inside cabinets and closets

• behind appliances

• door frames

• corners of the rooms

• attic

The inspection is based on the amount of termite activity in and around a home. Most colonies develop years before homeowners become aware of the problem. Anyone who is concerned about potential infestation can arrange for a home inspection at routine intervals.

Homeowners without a current issue can help reduce costs in the future by purchasing a termite insurance protection plan. The majority of homeowner insurance policies do not cover infestations or damage. Protection plans routinely involve an annual fee that includes:

• scheduled treatments throughout the year where activity has been detected

• installation of baits

• annual re-inspection of the initial examination areas

DIY vs. Hiring a Termite Control Company

Hiring a professional pest control company can give homeowners peace of mind and a better guarantee that they can get rid of the termites. Before agreeing to a treatment service, homeowners should request inspections and estimates from several pest control companies. The written estimate needs to include the following details:

• cost of treatment

• type of problem

• method

• number of visits and frequency

• chemicals to be used

• any warnings or precautions

• what warranties are provided and their length

When comparing services, read reviews. Ask for this information:

• how long the company has been in business

• experience and training of technicians

• if the employees are bonded

Termite infestation must be dealt with as soon as possible. With a bit of research, every homeowner can feel secure that the service they purchase will meet their needs at a fair price. Ready to eliminate your termite problem? Find a qualified pest control pro near you.

FAQs

How do you know if you have a termite infestation and need treatment?

The best time to treat for termites is the moment you notice it. During your initial pest discovery, keep an eye out for the following signs of an infestation:

• damaged wood in the structure or furniture

• underground tubes the insects use to travel

• wings, eggs or dead termites

• droppings, which may look like coffee grounds

How long does termite treatment take?

The length of the process depends on the type. Chemical extermination or bait installation can take about one day. Fumigation may require 3 to 5 days before the home is safe to occupy.

How long does treatment last?

On average, a termite treatment will last 1 to 2 years. Homeowners should confirm that the initial application worked before switching to a management plan. Although baits can become effective immediately after installation, it may take a few months to verify that activity in the colony has stopped.

How often should I treat for termites?

Homeowners should plan to pay about $1.50 per linear foot for renewal once a year, assuming they no longer have an active termite infestation. Professionals often offer this service on their original treatment. Homeowners should also call for assistance whenever they notice new signs of colony activity.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Termite control is typically not covered by homeowner's insurance policies. This is because that coverage usually relates to unexpected and sudden damage, not concerns resulting from home maintenance.

What is the cheapest termite treatment?

Liquid chemical applications tend to be the least expensive methods for termites. However, the best choice is going to be the one that gets rid of the problem. Liquid chemicals are widely available for purchase. Trying to save money in this way can result in an improper application and an ineffective treatment.

Can you treat termites yourself?

Termite extermination calls for professional knowledge and experience. Every method requires understanding of these factors:

• termite species

• extent of the infestation

• method most likely to work

• how to safely carry it out

If you try to do it yourself without this experience, you could damage your home or injure your family's health.