How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost? How To Budget For Termite Treatment - BobVila.com
Termite control and prevention are essential for homeowners. The typical range for termite treatment cost is from $221 to $916, with the national average at $568.
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- Typical Range: $221 to $916
- National Average: $568
Dealing with termites is a necessary task for many homeowners. How much you'll pay for termite treatment depends on the severity of the termite infestation, the size of the area, and the number of treatments required. Typical termite treatment cost ranges from $221 to $916, with the national average around $568, or $3 to $16 per linear foot. A pest control professional can determine the type of treatment that will work best for your home. Chemical treatments, bait, fumigation, and prevention methods vary in cost. Knowing how much each termite treatment option costs will keep your budget in check and prevent future termites.
Factors in Calculating Termite Treatment Cost
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The factors that go into calculating termite treatment cost include the type of termites in the house, the extent of the infestation, the size of the structure, and the type and number of treatments required. According to HomeAdvisor, termite treatment cost ranges from $221 to $916, with the national average hovering around $568. This comes out to approximately $3 to $16 per linear foot. There are several methods available when treating a termite infestation in the home. A professional exterminator will discuss the following factors to determine the best option.
Type of Termites
Termites are serious pests and can cause significant damage to a home. There are three types of termites commonly found in the United States: drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites. Termite removal costs can range from $218 to $2,500, depending on the type.
Drywood termites don't require as much moisture as the other types and are not found in soil. These pests like to eat dead wood found in support joints. Drywood termite treatment costs from $218 to $2,500. Most exterminators will drill holes in wood and place baits or use a chemical gel or foam. If there is a large colony of drywood termites, house tenting may be the best choice for eliminating them. Tenting can run from $1,200 to $2,500 or more.
Treatment for larger dampwood termites also runs from $218 to $2,500. As their name implies, these pests eat damp wood. Eliminating standing water inside and outside the home is an essential step to discourage dampwood termites.
Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive types. These are the ones that build mud tunnels and live in the soil. These aggressive termites are usually treated with baits, but chemicals can be used as well. Getting rid of these termites usually averages $218 to $868, but a whole home treatment can cost up to $2,500.
Extent of the Infestation
The extent of the infestation will affect termite treatment cost. A national family-owned company specializing in termite treatment warns that visible termites, mud tunnels, or termite swarms are all signs of infestation. If you see any sign of termites—including holes in wood, hollow-sounding timber, or quiet chewing noises—contact a professional exterminator to take a look. Getting treatment as quickly as possible will help avoid damage to your home.
Size of the Structure to Be Treated
Termite treatment costs can vary due to the size of the structure. Whole-home treatment can range upward of $2,500, and limited treatment applications can range from $221 to $916.
Type and Number of Treatments
Termite treatment is priced according to the type of treatment and the frequency of application. Chemical treatments cost between $3 to $16 per linear foot and are usually needed until all termite activity is gone. Termite bait systems require more visits and are priced between $8 to $12 per linear foot. Tenting an entire home can shoot costs up to $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Tenting costs can be determined by a flat rate or by the linear foot, ranging from $5 to $20. Termite fumigation costs range from $10 to $20 per linear foot, and heat treatments average $800 to $2,500, or about $10 per linear foot.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for termite treatment cost, consider the possibility of additional fees, including termite monitoring stations and further treatment for termite reappearance. You'll also need to take into account the extent of the damage to the home and the condition of the foundation.
Termite Monitoring Stations
Termite monitoring stations are small receptacles that can be placed around a home to check for termite activity. A termite expert will check monitoring stations monthly. If there are termites present, the station will be changed out for a new one that's been treated with a slow-acting insecticide that prevents juvenile termites from growing into adults. These monitors average around $40 each, and the bait costs around $135 for a box of six.
Type of Damage
Termites can cause extensive damage to a home; in fact, some types of termites can eat up to 13 ounces of wood a day as a colony. Treating a termite infestation is only one step of the process. Repairing the damage done to a home by these pests is also costly. On average, the cost to repair framing can run up to $1,050, and the cost to install attic insulation is $1,900. The average price to repair and clean a crawl space can set you back $6,000. Termites are attracted to drywall and will feed on the paper lining, and drywall repair can cost $500 and up.
Foundation Condition
Termites build tunnels and travel under the foundation of a house. From there, they can burrow in cracks in the foundation and eat their way through the wood framing of the structure. If you notice swarms of termites near your home's foundation, you have an infestation. The longer an infestation goes untreated, the more damage there will be to repair.
Termite Reappearance
Unfortunately, termites can reappear after treatment. This isn't a sign of ineffective products or lazy technicians—when dealing with living creatures, especially ones that infest an area and grow colonies as quickly as termites, it's incredibly challenging to ensure that every spot has been treated flawlessly. Most termite treatments last up to 5 years, but termites can make a comeback. Monitoring stations can help keep track of the situation, but the infestation may need another treatment since termites are aggressive pests. If you're under contract with a pest control company, exterminators will usually return for free or discounted visits as long as termites are present and still need to be removed.
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Cost of Termite Treatment by Type
The method of termite treatment and the size of the area that needs to be treated can affect cost. The type of treatment will be unique to the species of termite, the severity of the infestation, and the home's specific needs.
Chemical Extermination
Chemical treatments average $3 to $16 per linear foot. A chemical treatment uses a liquid termiticide such as arsenic trioxide, bifenthrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, or permethrin that is usually sprayed onto and around the foundation to repel and kill termites. Chemical treatments can be applied to soil, baits, chemically treated building materials, and wood treatments. Chemical treatment is the most common method to get rid of subterranean and drywood termites. This practice is also used for infestations that have not taken over the entire home and are centralized to the foundation.
Termite Micro Treatment
Termite micro treatment involves placing chemical termiticides in a controlled area or using a non-chemical electro-gun or microwave system. With chemical termiticides, a pest control professional might drill holes into an infested area and deposit termiticide directly into the holes. For a non-chemical option, the electro-gun or microwaves will be directly applied to an area. Micro treatment is ideal for small infestations in controlled areas. Chemical micro treatment costs from $3 to $16 per linear foot, but electro-gun or microwave treatments can run up to $1,150.
Termite Treatment With Bait
Termite bait treatment is priced at $8 to $12 per linear foot. Termite bait is a substance such as wood or paper that's been treated with a termiticide. Termites are lured away from the home by baits that are placed in drilled holes in the ground. They will eat the bait and bring it back to the nest, where the rest of the termites will die. This method is commonly used to control subterranean termites. This treatment type isn't as precise as chemical treatments, and additional costs may be incurred if additional termite traps are needed.
Liquid Termiticide
Liquid termiticide options are the most common and readily available for purchase at a home improvement store. The efficacy will depend on the termite variety and the application. Professional application is likely to be more thorough and potent than a DIY application. Liquid termiticides are approved for safe usage by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as long as they are applied properly. Liquid termiticide is available at home improvement stores and runs from about $8 to over $20.
Tenting and Heat Treatment
Heat treatment costs between $800 to $2,500, or $10 per linear foot. This is an organic and chemical-free solution. The entire home is tented, and hot air is forced into it to raise the temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Termites cannot survive if the structural wood temperature reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit for over 30 minutes. The house is then de-tented, and residents can return to the home once it has cooled. The process usually takes 8 hours.
Fumigation
Termite fumigation treatment ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, or $10 to $20 per linear foot. This method also involves tenting the entire house, but toxic fumes are pumped into the tent to kill the termites. People, plants, and pets will need to vacate the house for several days. This process is highly effective for getting rid of drywood termites.
Termite Treatment Cost: Do I Need a Termite Treatment?
Termite experts recommend termite treatment when there is any sign of their presence. Termites are aggressive and difficult to get rid of, but a professional can eliminate these pests. Here are a few reasons to get termite treatment.
There Are Signs of Termites
Recognizing the signs of termites will help you schedule termite treatment as quickly as possible. Aside from seeing swarms of termites around the foundation, keep an eye out for mud tunnels around the foundation. Wood damage can appear behind walls and in furniture and flooring. Small holes in drywall, dropped wings, termite droppings that resemble sawdust, hollowed-out wood, or discoloration are all signs of termites.
There Has Been an Infestation in the Past
Most professional pest control companies will offer treatment plans if your home has had a past infestation. An annual termite contract averages $175 to $400. A professional will inspect your home and provide treatments if needed. A professional can also give you a customized prevention plan to minimize your risk of future infestations.
It's a Regular Inspection
The best way to tell if you have termites is to schedule a termite inspection. Termite inspection cost ranges from $50 to $280, with the average price around $100. New houses must pass a termite inspection to protect the homeowner, and most companies will offer a free assessment for current owners. A professional will examine all home areas, including the attic, crawl space, basement, windows, floors, behind appliances, and inside closets and cabinets. Even if you know the red flags of termite infestation, these pests can do severe damage before you even notice them—that's why professional inspections are essential.
You're Selling Your Home
If you're selling your home and it has a history of termites, it's best to get it treated before it goes on the market. You'll have to disclose the situation to any potential buyers, and many reputable pest control professionals will transfer the termite treatment plan warranty to the new homeowner.
Termite Treatment Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
It may sound tempting to save some money by treating your home for termites on your own. Some common DIY termite treatments are to use termite baits and termiticides that you can purchase in a home improvement store. Experts warn that DIY methods are ineffective for termite infestations, but they may help as preventative measures. Experts recommend that a pest control company treat an active termite infestation. Chances are by the time you notice termites, they've already done severe damage to your home. Many pest control companies will guarantee eliminating these pests and add peace of mind that a professional is in charge of the problem. Termite extermination professionals will scrutinize your home to determine the termite species, recognize the severity of the infestation, understand the treatment that will work the best, and safely treat your home.
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How to Save Money on the Cost of Termite Treatment
Termite treatment costs can be expensive, and the additional fees associated with termite extermination can add up. One way to save money would be to do it yourself, but there is the danger of damaging your home and putting your family's safety at risk if you mishandle insecticides. Here are a few other ways to save money on termite treatment costs.
- Use liquid chemicals. Liquid termiticides are less expensive than other treatment methods.
- Get multiple bids. Contacting three or more pest control companies can save you money, so shop around for the best treatment that's right for your home.
- Purchase a termite home inspection plan. Termite home inspection maintenance plans can help you save money. Inspections are carried out monthly or biannually. A professional will check bait and traps during these inspections, and the average visit costs between $25 and $50.
Questions to Ask About Termite Treatment Cost
Asking the right questions about termite treatment costs will help minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. Here are some questions to ask about termite treatment.
- What is the cost of treatment?
- What type of termites are we dealing with?
- What is the best method to treat my home?
- How many times will you have to treat the house?
- What types of chemicals will you use?
- What are my options for chemical-free and organic treatments?
- What is the warranty?
- How long has your company been in business?
- What type of experience do the employees have?
FAQs
Deciding on which pest control company to hire and what type of treatment to use can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about termite treatment cost to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. Can I treat my home for termites myself?
Eliminating termites requires training and a specialized skill set. Pest control professionals know the many hidden and difficult-to-reach areas where termites can enter the home. Equipment such as drills, borers, and large spray tanks filled with insecticide is used to treat a home. Large amounts of insecticide, sometimes hundreds of gallons, are needed to treat the area. This kind of job is best left to the professionals.
Q. Is termite treatment covered by insurance?
Homeowner's insurance does not cover termite treatment since it's considered preventable damage.
Q. Can I sell a house with termites?
Yes, you can sell a house with termites, but it can be an arduous task. You'll have to disclose to any potential buyer that the house has termites or has had a termite problem in the past.
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