Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can infest your home or property. They feed on wood and cellulose, causing structural damage and compromising the safety and beauty of your premise.
If you notice signs of termite infestation, such as damaged woodwork, mud tubes, cracks in walls, or blisters due to water leakage, you should act fast and book a termite treatment service from a professional pest control company.
Termite treatment is the process of eliminating existing termites and preventing future infestations using various methods, such as chemical treatments, bait systems, heat treatments, or fumigation. The cost of termite treatment depends on several factors, such as:
- The size of your home or property
- The type and level of infestation
- The type and duration of treatment
- The location and accessibility of the infested area
- The warranty and guarantee offered by the pest control company
Average Cost of Termite Treatment
According to a 2023 guide by This Old House1, the average cost of termite treatment in the United States is $572. However, costs can range from $237 to $975, depending on the severity of the termite infestation.
Checkout here some examples of termite treatment costs based on different methods and scenarios:
- Chemical treatment Treating part of the home for subterranean termites – $200–$900
- Bait system Installing and monitoring bait stations around the home for subterranean termites $200–$900
- Heat treatment Heating up the entire home to kill drywood termites – $2,500–$10,000
- Fumigation Tenting and fumigating the entire home to kill drywood termites – $2,500–$10,000
Factors Affecting Termite Treatment Cost
Size of Your Home or Property
The size of your home or property is one of the main factors that determines the cost of termite treatment. The larger your home or property, the more materials, labor and time are required to treat it. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home may cost around $500 to treat with chemicals, while a 4,000-square-foot home may cost around $1,000.
Type and Level of Infestation
Termite treatment costs vary greatly depending on factors including the kind and severity of the infestation. Subterranean termites and drywood termites are the two most common species of termites that can invade your house or property.
Termites that burrow their way into your home from the ground up are called subterranean termites. Termites that infest your home from above ground level are called drywood termites since they only infest dry wood.
Subterranean termites are more extensive and abundant, yet they may be treated with less effort and expense than drywood termites. Subterranean termites can be effectively combated with chemical treatments or bait systems that typically range in price from $200 to $900.
Drywood termites are more challenging and costly to cure since they are less frequent. To get rid of drywood termites, you’ll likely need to spend between $2,500 and $10,000 on heat treatments or fumigation.
Infestation severity is measured by the total number of termites and the amount of damage they have caused. The severity of the infestation determines the scope and expense of the necessary treatment.
In the case of a small-scale infestation, for instance, you may simply need to apply pesticides or baits to that specific region. However, heat or fumigation may be necessary to treat the entire building if the infestation is broad.
Type and Duration of Treatment
The expense of eliminating termites might vary depending on several factors. The effectiveness, safety, convenience, and environmental impact of various approaches vary. If you need help deciding which approach is best for you, contact a pest control provider.
Liquid pesticides are applied to the soil or the wood in chemical treatments to either kill or repel the termites. While these treatments are typically successful against subterranean termites, they may not be able to effectively eradicate drywood termites in all of their hiding places.
If chemical treatments aren’t used correctly, they can be harmful to people and the environment. The effectiveness of chemical pesticides might endure anywhere from five to ten years.
Termites may be attracted and killed with a bait system by setting up bait stations around the house and keeping an eye on them. They’re typically just as effective as chemical treatments for subterranean termites, although they might take longer to kick in.
In comparison to chemical treatments, bait systems are less harmful to humans and the environment, but they can be more expensive and need constant upkeep. Maintaining and restocking a bait system is essential to its continued effectiveness.
The termites and their eggs are killed by heating the entire house to dangerous levels. Although they are often successful against drywood termites, they might not be a good fit for every house or building. While heat treatments are mostly harmless and easy to implement, they can be somewhat pricey and inconvenient. Most heat treatments only work once, so they won’t stop new infestations.
To eliminate termites and their eggs, a poisonous gas is released within a tent over the whole house. However, they might not be accessible in all places or even be legal where you live, despite being highly efficient against drywood termites.
In most cases, fumigation is the best and most complete option, but it also poses the greatest risk and is the most cumbersome to implement. Typically, fumigation is a one-and-done deal, so it won’t stop future pest problems.
Location and Accessibility of the Infested Area
The location and accessibility of the infested area also affect the cost of termite treatment. The easier it is to access and treat the infested area, the cheaper the treatment will be.
For example, if you have termites in your basement or crawl space, you may pay less than if you have termites in your attic or roof. Similarly, if you have termites in a detached garage or shed, you may pay less than if you have termites in your main house.
Warranty and Guarantee Offered by the Pest Control Company
The warranty and guarantee offered by the pest control company also influence the cost of termite treatment. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty and guarantee, the more expensive the treatment will be.
For example, some pest control companies may offer a one-year warranty or guarantee, while others may offer a five-year or even a lifetime warranty or guarantee. A warranty or guarantee means that the pest control company will re-treat your home or property for free or at a reduced cost if termites return within a certain period of time.
How to Save Money on Termite Treatment
Termite treatment can be a significant investment, but there are some ways to save money on it, such as:
- Comparing quotes from different pest control companies and choosing the one that offers the best value for your money
- Negotiating with the pest control company for discounts or payment plans
- Asking for referrals or recommendations from friends, family or neighbors who have used termite treatment services before
- Checking for online reviews or ratings of the pest control company and their termite treatment services
Looking for coupons or promotions from the pest control company or their partners
Taking preventive measures to avoid or reduce termite infestation, such as fixing water leaks, removing wood debris, sealing cracks and gaps, and maintaining proper ventilation and drainage
Conclusion
Termite treatment is a necessary and worthwhile expense to protect your home or property from termite damage. The cost of termite treatment varies depending on several factors, such as the size of your home or property, the type and level of infestation, the type and duration of treatment, the location and accessibility of the infested area, and the warranty and guarantee offered by the pest control company.
The average cost of termite treatment in the United States is $572, but it can range from $237 to $975. You can save money on termite treatment by comparing quotes, negotiating discounts, asking for referrals, checking reviews, looking for coupons, and taking preventive measures.