Termite treatment is notoriously expensive because homeowners may not know they have an infestation until it’s severe or widespread. As a result, termite treatments typically cost between $700 and $2,000, although some treatments, such as pesticide spray, cost as little as $150. On the other hand, a severe infestation, especially when dealing with aggressive species such as Formosan termites or invasive species such as drywood termites, often requires fumigation, which costs up to $5,000.
In this guide, we break down the average cost of different types of termite treatments, other factors that can impact overall pricing, and other things you need to know before hiring a pest control company.
Note: The cost information featured in this guide was sourced from termite and pest control companies operating in various states across the U.S.
Termite Treatment Cost by Extermination Method
The average cost of termite treatment varies significantly depending on the type of treatment required, which usually depends on the severity of the infestation and the kind of termite. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $700 and $2,000 for termite control. Less expensive treatments, such as seasonal spraying for maintenance, cost less—often between $150 and $500 a year. However, extensive termite treatments can cost up to $5,000.
| Treatment Method | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Pesticide spray | $150–$1,500 |
| Spot treatment | $350–$1,000 |
| Termite bait systems | $400–$3,000 |
| Heat extermination | $1,300–$2,500 |
| Fumigation | $1,500–$5,000 |
*Cost data sourced from seven termite control companies throughout the U.S.
Termite Treatment Types
The treatment your pest control provider recommends depends on the type of termite, location, and infestation severity. The following treatments are the most common termite control services offered throughout the U.S., but might not present the best option for you depending on the type of infestation you have—which is why getting a professional opinion is important.
- Pesticide spray: Insecticide sprays repel bugs, leaving lingering termites in your home to dehydrate and die.
- Spot treatment: In areas affected by termites, the exterminator drills tiny holes in wood and injects pesticides into the holes to kill the termites.
- Termite bait systems: Bait stations contain toxic edible materials that attract termites. Once consumed, the slow-acting toxin kills the termites, usually after they return to their colony. Then, other termites in the colony get exposed to the toxin, eradicating the entire population in your home over time.
- Heat extermination: This method circulates hot air throughout your home to kill termites. Pest control costs vary depending on the extent of the infestation.
- Fumigation: Fumigation, also known as tenting, is a process exterminators reserve for severe infestations or specific termite species, such as drywood termites, because of where they nest in your home. An exterminator places a tent around your home and pumps a fumigant—a pesticide in the form of gas—inside to get rid of all the termites. Then, the exterminator will aerate your home so it’s safe for you to return.
What Factors Affect How Much a Termite Treatment Costs?
Factors such as the termite species, your home size, and ongoing protection plans help determine the cost of treatment. Keep reading for a breakdown of how each factor impacts the average price of termite treatments.
Termite Species
The type of termite in your home is a significant factor for pest control costs because it ultimately determines the best treatment option. For example, it is often cheaper to treat dampwood termites because they rely on moisture, so eliminating standing water and moisture sources can help eradicate this species.
In contrast, drywood termites often require fumigation because they nest in wood. Subterranean termites and Formosan termites are more aggressive species that build massive colonies underground, making them more challenging to reach and treat. Fumigation costs are exceptionally high, making drywood termites and Formosan termites two of the priciest species to treat against. Learn more about treatment costs by termite type in the chart below.
| Termite Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drywood termites | $600–$3,500 |
| Subterranean termites | $400–$2,500 |
| Dampwood termites | $200–$2,500 |
| Formosan termites | $800–$5,000 |
Size of Your Home and Property Details
The larger your home is, the more you will likely pay for termite treatments because exterminators will have to use more labor, time, and pesticides. Your home’s structure also impacts costs. For example, treating properties with pavers or concrete may cost more if pest control experts need to drill through these blocks to access termites. Other structures in your home, such as wooden porches or sheds, may need treatment, too, increasing overall costs.
Termite Bond
Many termite control services offer a termite bond, otherwise known as a termite protection plan. This plan typically consists of regular inspections and treatments and adds $500–$2,000 to the total cost of your termite control services. This bond is usually worthwhile if you live in an area prone to termites or have experienced repeat infestations.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
Termite inspections cost between $75 and $150, depending on the company and your home’s square footage. Most termite inspections last between one to two hours, depending on your property’s size and condition, and then the inspector will provide you with a report about their findings. Some companies, such as Terminix, advertise free initial termite inspections. Depending on the provider, you may get a free inspection, but otherwise, anticipate paying around $100 on average.
Your location also impacts termite inspection costs. For example, when you buy a home in South Carolina, a lender typically requires a South Carolina Wood Infestation Report, which costs around $150. This means termite inspection costs will vary based on state regulations and taxes.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites have voracious appetites that can quickly destroy your home. This damage can go unnoticed for years, giving termites ample time to expand their colonies and cause extensive and expensive damage.
The following are common signs of termite damage that we recommend homeowners immediately act on:
- Mud shelter tubes traveling up the foundation wall of your home, support piers, or plumbing under the house
- Buckling or blisters in wood flooring
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Hollowed or damaged wood (look for grooves that look like a maze or honeycomb pattern)
- Swarmers (flying termites)
- Discarded termite wings
- Sticky doors or windows (damage to wood can make opening and closing your doors and windows challenging)
- Frass (drywood termite droppings that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds)
- Damaged drywall
- Bubbling beneath your wallpaper or paint
- Moldy or musty scents
- Dipping ceilings or buckling support beams
- Live termites
How To Prevent a Termite Infestation
Pest prevention is typically easier and cheaper than treating a termite problem. Termites can go undetected for years, but the following steps can prevent these pests from eating away at your home’s structure.
- Don’t stack firewood near your home—wood piles can attract termites.
- Avoid moisture accumulation by fixing leaky roofs, gutters, and faucets.
- Check that your storm drains empty at least a few feet from your home’s foundation.
- Turn off outdoor lights during the swarming season, typically during warmer seasons after rainfall.
- Monitor your home for signs of termites, such as damaged wood and mud tubes.
- Trim vegetation around your home so it’s at least 18 inches away.
- Keep mulch a foot or more away from structures.
- Remove decaying tree stumps near your home.
- Seal access points, such as gaps in screens, vents, or cracks in the building’s foundation.
- Consider routine pest inspections, even if you don’t suspect you have termites.
DIY Termite Removal Methods
Homeowners may not know they have termites until the infestation is severe, making do-it-yourself (DIY) termite removal methods ineffective. Termites can cause extensive and costly damage to a home when left untreated, so we don’t recommend DIY termite control. However, you can look into a few DIY termite removal methods if you’re determined to tackle a minor infestation.
Boric Acid (Borax)
Boric acid is a pesticide typically sold in powder form that dehydrates and disables termites. Sprinkle the powder in common termite areas to directly target infested areas. You can also mix it with water and create a spray.
Over-the-Counter Termiticides
Over-the-counter options for handy homeowners include termite sprays, baits, foams, and dusts. Termite sprays create a barrier around your home by repelling termites or killing them on contact, but don’t address hidden colonies. You can also use baits, which target a colony by attracting termites. Then, exposed termites carry the slow-acting insecticides back to their colony, which kills the population over time. Lastly, termite foams and dusts target termites hiding in cracks and crevices.
Over-the-counter pesticides vary in effectiveness based on the type of pesticide you purchase, the application, and the frequency of use. If you go the DIY route, use termite killers cautiously, as these chemicals can cause harm to you and your family if misused.
Essential Oils
Some homeowners prefer natural alternatives to pesticides, such as essential oils. Orange, neem, clove, and garlic are popular choices for deterring termites from a home. For this method, apply several drops of the essential oil to cotton balls, then place them in active termite areas.
When Should You Call a Professional for Termite Treatment?
You should call a professional for termite treatment as soon as you notice signs of termites. While damage varies based on the type of termite, all species cause enormous damage, with an estimated $40 billion in damage globally and 600,000 homes in the U.S. affected every year. Not only can termites destroy your home, but they can attack books, household furniture, and stored food, making them a pricey pest you don’t want to put off addressing.
How To Hire an Exterminator
Hiring an extermination company, especially for a specialty service such as termite control, can feel intimidating. Follow these steps to hire a reputable exterminator that can tackle your termite problem:
- Do your homework first. While it’s essential to have a termite problem addressed quickly, selecting a reputable, experienced termite control provider can help ensure the treatment is successful. Ask friends and family for recommendations and read online reviews to find the best options in your area.
- Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and complaint history for each company to learn about customer experiences and potential issues.
- Gather several quotes from providers in your area. Termite control is a specialized field, so avoid providers that include termite treatments as part of a package deal (such as with general home repair).
- Spend time with each technician as they inspect your property. Ask for a list of references, a copy of the provider’s pest control license, and labels for the pesticides they plan to use.
- Ask each provider if it offers a warranty or guarantee after treatment. Having a guarantee can help protect you financially if more termite damage occurs.
- Weigh the pros and cons of each provider before booking a treatment so you can pick the best option for your home and budget.
Is Professional Termite Treatment Worth It?
Professional termite treatment is worth it because termites are destructive pests that cause costly damage to the home. Professional treatment plans guided by experienced and trained exterminators can ensure a comprehensive approach to managing termite infestations and preventing these pests from returning to your home. Exterminators have access to professional-grade bait stations, pesticides, and other treatments that deeply penetrate termite colonies, which is challenging to achieve with weaker over-the-counter options. In the long run, pest control services are expensive, but can save you money in terms of termite damage and future treatments.
FAQs About Termite Treatment Cost
How expensive is it to fix termite damage?
Termite damage is notoriously expensive to fix, with many homeowners spending around $3,000 on the damage. However, repair costs may cost more or less depending on the type of damage. For example, repairing structural damage is typically more expensive than fixing or replacing wood furniture.
Can exterminators save a termite-infested house?
Pest control professionals can save a termite-infested house in most cases. Formosan termites, a type of subterranean termites found in coastal areas and the southern U.S., are considered the most destructive. However, it still takes a large colony two years to damage a home significantly, according to Orkin. Other termite species are less destructive, so it’s unlikely they’ll cause so much damage that a technician can’t repair it. Repairing termite damage is expensive, so immediately call an inspector at the first sign of an issue to minimize the overall impact and cost.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
No, homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover termite damage, according to Progressive. Insurance providers view termite infestations as preventable with routine home maintenance, making it the homeowner’s responsibility to stay on top of pest prevention measures. Homeowners insurance covers sudden or accidental events, which termite damage doesn’t fall under.
