How Much Is Termite Treatment? - Forbes

It's safe to say that termites are the last thing any homeowner wants to experience. They're the pest that can strike fear into anyone's heart, especially since they're known to be incredibly destructive to just about any structure.

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If you have a termite problem in your home, there's a good chance you'll want to call a professional and have it taken care of right away. But how much does termite treatment cost? Well, that depends on lots of different factors, but in this cost guide, we'll give you all the information you need about what you can expect to pay for someone to come out and exterminate termites.

We'll take a look at average termite treatment costs, different ways your pest control expert might go about eradicating any termites you have, as well as how to keep them away for good.

How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?

The average termite treatment cost in the U.S. is around $575, with prices ranging from $230 to $930 for most services. But factors like the size of your home, the extent of your termite problem and where the infestation is located can all make a difference when it comes to determining the final price.

Like any pest control problem, solving a termite issue could be as simple as a single visit, or as complicated as extensive fumigation of your entire house. There's no way to determine this without having a professional exterminator or pest control expert come out for a consultation.

The following table shows average costs of termite treatment, including low and high-end pricing. We'll dive deeper into what you can expect from services in these price ranges below.

Termite Treatment Cost
Average Cost $575
Highest Cost $930 - $1,530
Lowest Cost $70 - $230

Factors That Affect Termite Treatment Cost

If you have a termite problem, the first step is to have an exterminator come out to inspect. After that, you'll have a much better sense of the cost of termite treatment for your home. Here are some factors that may come into play on your price quote:

Your Home's Size

Termite treatment costs can vary based on how much ground the exterminator has to cover. Whole-home treatment can sometimes cost up to $2,500, with tenting and fumigation running four times higher. But more simple applications can range from about $200 to $900.

Type and Number of Treatments

There are a number of different ways in which termites can be removed from your home and surrounding areas. And that will affect the pricing as well. Often, chemical treatments are priced by linear foot, with a range of $3 to $16 per linear foot for basic treatments.

There's a good chance you will need continued treatment to fully eradicate all termites from your home. Similarly, bait systems also require more than one visit, and cost between $8 and $12 per linear foot.

If your exterminator determines the problem is extensive enough to require tenting and fumigation, you could be looking at costs up to $2,500 for the average home. Heat treatment, a more organic solution, also requires tenting and can run between $800 and $2,500.

Termite Inspection Cost

Termites can become a pervasive problem so quickly that most real estate transactions now include a termite (or wood-destroying insect) inspection as a routine part of the home inspection process. These inspections are important for real estate transactions since termite damage can significantly reduce the value of a home.

This inspection is costly, at about $85 to $300, but it's worth it. It's meant to determine whether termites are present in the home, and if so, to assess the extent of the damage and the type of termite treatment needed in order for the new homeowners to avoid moving into a home with a sinister secret. A Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection must follow specific guidelines in order to determine whether a home carries wood-destroying organisms.

3 Types of Termites

There are three types of termites in the United States: drywood, dampwood and subterranean termites. So if you're wondering, how much is termite treatment, know that the cost can vary depending on what type of termite you're dealing with.

Termites are largely known for flocking to places with damp wood. But as their name implies, drywood termites will feed on dry wood as well. If your home has dead wood anywhere, drywood termites will be attracted to it. Drywood termite treatment costs between $225 and $2,500, and your exterminator will likely use either baits, or a chemical gel, to eradicate them. Dampwood termites eat damp wood.

The best way to prevent this type of termite is by removing any damp or dead wood from around the perimeter of your home, and eliminating standing water (sometimes this requires re-grading of your property). If you do fall victim to a dampwood termite invasion, treatment typically runs about the same as for drywood termites: $220 to $2,500.

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in the U.S., and the most insidious as well. These hide in the soil beneath your home, and are nearly impossible to eradicate on your own.

These aggressive termites are usually treated with baits or chemicals. Tent fumigation isn't typically as effective on this type of termite, since they live beneath the soil. The cost of termite treatment usually ranges between $220 to $875.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

Unlike some pests, termites are quiet. They don't smell, and they're only active at night. So there's little way to know that termites have breached your home and are multiplying right beneath your feet. That said, there are some warning signs to be aware of. Here are some things to look for if you suspect you may have termites:

  • Presence of frass: This sawdust-like substance appears in piles near wood structures and is a hallmark of pests like termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees.
  • Bubbling floors or walls: If you see bubble-like texturing on your walls or floors that are soft to the touch, this can be a sure sign that termites are eating away at the wood beneath it.
  • Mud tubes: Check the foundation of your home. Do you see brown or grey vertical lines that look similar to mud dauber nests? If so, this can be a sign of a termite infestation. They use these tubes to enter your home.
  • Small, white wings: This is a sign that termites have found a new colony in your home, as they shed their wings and burrow into wood.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a way to prevent termites?

Termites can be costly to get rid of. So, many homeowners wonder if there's, instead, a way to prevent them. Assuming you haven't moved into a home that's already under attack from termites, there are a few things you can do to hopefully prevent them from ever entering your home:

  • Get regular inspections: You can have a termite professional come out and inspect your home to tell you whether or not you have a termite problem. Not only is this the best method of prevention against termites, but it's also helpful to eradicate any termites that you do have before they become a larger problem.
  • Seal foundation cracks: Don't want termites? Don't invite them in. Cracks and crevices in your home's foundation are invitations for termites to enter. If you aren't skilled in doing this, or don't know how to locate foundational cracks, consult a contractor or home inspector.
  • Remove any dead wood from your property: Nothing beckons termites like rotting or dead wood. And that doesn't just mean in your home's structure. Keeping piles of wood on your property that aren't properly sealed from weather is a great way to attract termites. So keep your property clean and free from wood and other debris in order to prevent a termite infestation.

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