Termite Treatment Cost Calculator

Termite treatment costs $500–$8,000+ depending on method, home size, and infestation severity. Liquid barrier treatment costs $4–$16 per linear foot of perimeter ($720–$2,880 for average home). Bait stations cost $8–$12 per station with 15–20 stations typical ($120–$240 initial + $150–$350/year monitoring). Fumigation (tenting) runs $1–$4 per sqft ($2,000–$8,000). Heat treatment costs $1–$3/sqft ($2,000–$6,000). Add $500–$5,000 for damage repairs.

Common signs include: mud tubes on foundation walls or crawlspace (subterranean termites), hollow-sounding wood when tapped, discarded wings near windows or doors (swarmer season, spring), frass (tiny wood-colored pellets) below wood surfaces (drywood termites), bubbling or peeling paint, sagging floors or ceilings, and visible wood damage. Termites cause $5 billion in US property damage annually. Most homeowner insurance does not cover termite damage.

Liquid barrier is best for prevention and active subterranean termite infestations ($720–$2,880, lasts 5–10 years). Bait stations provide ongoing monitoring and colony elimination ($120–$240 initial + annual fees). Fumigation is required for severe drywood termite infestations ($2,000–$8,000, 100% effective). Heat treatment ($2,000–$6,000) is a chemical-free option for localized drywood infestations. For subterranean termites, most pest control companies recommend a liquid barrier plus bait stations for comprehensive protection.

Treatment longevity depends on the method: liquid barrier treatments last 5–10 years (Termidor averages 8+ years). Bait stations require ongoing annual monitoring ($150–$350/year) and work as long as maintained. Fumigation kills all termites present but provides no residual protection — reinfestation can occur. Heat treatment also has no residual effect. For long-term protection, combine a liquid barrier with annual inspection. Retreatment warranties (typically 1–5 years) are available from most pest control companies.

It depends on the method. Liquid barrier: No, you can stay home. Treatment is applied outside around the foundation. Bait stations: No, stations are installed in the ground outside. Fumigation: Yes, you must vacate for 2–3 days (entire house is sealed and filled with gas). Remove all people, pets, plants, and food. Heat treatment: Yes, vacate for 6–8 hours while the area is heated to 130–140°F. Remove heat-sensitive items like candles, aerosols, and some electronics.

Annual termite inspections are recommended for all homes, costing $75–$150 for a standard inspection. Many pest control companies offer free inspections as part of a treatment quote. If you have an active bait station system, quarterly monitoring is included ($150–$350/year). Homes in high-risk areas (Southeast US, Gulf Coast, Hawaii) should inspect every 6–12 months. FHA and VA home loans require a termite inspection (WDI report) before purchase, costing $100–$200.

No, standard homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage or treatment. Insurance companies consider termite damage a maintenance issue, not sudden or accidental damage. The average cost of termite damage repair is $3,000–$5,000, but severe structural damage can reach $10,000–$50,000+. Some companies offer termite bonds ($200–$500/year) that cover retreatment and sometimes damage repair. Prevention is far cheaper than repair — invest in annual inspections and preventive treatment.

Limited DIY options exist: liquid termiticide concentrate ($50–$150 for 1.25 gallons, treats 100–200 lf), bait stations ($50–$100 for 15–20 stakes), and borate wood treatment ($25–$50 per gallon). DIY is suitable for small spot treatments and prevention. However, professional treatment is strongly recommended for active infestations because pros have commercial-grade chemicals, specialized equipment, and experience identifying colony locations. DIY savings: $500–$2,000 vs. professional, but effectiveness is significantly lower for established infestations.