Free Estimation Tool
Answer 9 questions specific to your situation. Get a detailed cost estimate covering initial treatment, annual protection, and 5-year total cost.
This single answer personalizes every cost, recommendation, and output in your estimate.
Property type determines which treatment methods are physically possible for your home.
What you have seen tells us the species — and species determines the entire treatment path and cost range.
Time active is the strongest predictor of treatment scope and structural repair cost beyond initial treatment.
Foundation type determines whether concrete drilling is required — adding $500 to $1,500 before the first drop of termiticide is applied.
Prior treatment qualifies you for retreatment pricing — typically 20 to 40 percent less than a first-time treatment.
Repair costs frequently exceed treatment costs for established infestations — knowing the damage scope now prevents invoice shock.
A termite bond is the only instrument that protects you financially if termites return — insurance never covers it.
Region shifts your estimate by 30 to 55 percent across US markets and changes which termite species warnings apply.
Based on your situation — current US contractor pricing
| Component | Low | High |
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Termiticides, bait systems, and wood treatments used by US pest control professionals
Taurus SC Termiticide — Fipronil Concentrate
Same active ingredient as Termidor. Non-repellent soil barrier with transfer effect — termites spread it to nestmates before dying. Most effective consumer-accessible termite product available in the US.
$55 – $95Check Price on AmazonSpectracide Terminate Detection Stakes (15-Pack)
In-ground monitoring stakes with pop-up indicators alerting you when termites hit the bait. Install around the perimeter while awaiting a contractor — documents entry points for the inspector.
$18 – $45Check Price on AmazonBora-Care Borate Termite Treatment
Penetrating borate for crawl space joists, attic framing, and accessible wood surfaces. Permanent protection for the life of the wood. Apply after any professional treatment as a long-term secondary barrier.
$75 – $140Check Price on AmazonTERRO Termite Killer Foam Spray
Expanding foam reaches wood galleries and wall voids inaccessible to liquid sprays. Direct-contact kill for accessible drywood termite infestations in baseboards, window frames, and trim.
$10 – $22Check Price on AmazonFrom first detection through active treatment and long-term prevention.
Taurus SC Termiticide (Fipronil)
Non-repellent with transfer effect. Treats soil perimeter and creates a barrier termites unknowingly spread through the colony. Available without license for homeowner use.
$55 – $95Check Price on AmazonSpectracide Terminate Bait Stakes 15-Pack
In-ground monitoring stakes covering an average home perimeter. Pop-up indicators show when termites are foraging near your foundation — useful documentation for your pest control company on day one.
$18 – $45Check Price on AmazonBora-Care Borate Wood Treatment Gallon
Penetrating borate for crawl space joists and attic framing. Permanent protection for the life of the wood. Apply after any professional treatment to all accessible framing.
$75 – $140Check Price on AmazonTERRO Termite Killer Foam 3-Pack
Expanding foam for drywood galleries in wall voids. Direct-contact kill for accessible spot infestations in furniture, framing, and trim. Reaches areas inaccessible to liquid sprays.
$24 – $48Check Price on AmazonBioAdvanced Termite Killer Granules 9lb
Broadcast granules create a termiticide barrier in soil around the foundation. Easier than liquid concentrate. Best for prevention and supplemental treatment between professional annual visits.
$18 – $35Check Price on AmazonOrtho Home Defense MAX Termite Killer
Ready-to-use liquid for foundation perimeter application on soil and wood surfaces. Good for low-risk prevention and supplemental application between annual professional inspections.
$14 – $28Check Price on AmazonHow Much Does Termite Treatment Cost in the US?
Termite treatment costs range from $225 for a minor spot treatment to over $8,000 for whole-home fumigation. The national average for a professional mid-scope job is $500 to $1,500 for initial treatment. That figure means little without context. A homeowner with a freshly discovered subterranean colony in a crawl space faces a completely different cost profile than someone selling a home who needs a clean WDI report, or someone with an expired bond who qualifies for retreatment pricing.
| Situation | Typical Cost | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Active infestation — subterranean, early | $500 – $2,500 | Liquid barrier or bait, foundation type |
| Active infestation — drywood, localized | $225 – $1,500 | Spot treatment or heat per area |
| Active infestation — drywood, widespread | $2,000 – $8,000 | Fumigation, home size |
| Home sale — WDI required, no termites found | $75 – $200 | Inspection and WDI report only |
| Home sale — treatment required before closing | $600 – $4,000+ | Treatment plus WDI re-inspection |
| Expired bond — retreatment | $300 – $1,500 | 20 to 40 percent less than first-time |
| Prevention only | $300 – $1,200 | Bait station installation or borate |
| Bond transfer from seller | $50 – $200 | Transfer fee only |
Which Termite Treatment Method Is Right for Your Situation?
The treatment method determines your cost range more than any other single variable. Choosing the wrong method for your species wastes money and fails to eliminate the colony. Each method has specific species requirements, disruption levels, and ongoing cost structures.
Liquid Barrier Treatment: $500 to $2,500
The most widely used method for subterranean termites. A technician trenches around the foundation perimeter, injects non-repellent termiticide into the soil, and backfills. Non-repellent termiticides like fipronil allow termites to pass through and spread the chemical to nestmates, collapsing the colony over 30 to 90 days. Protection lasts 5 to 8 years. Pricing runs $3 to $16 per linear foot of treated perimeter. Slab homes add $500 to $1,500 for concrete drilling.
Bait Station System: $1,000 to $3,000 Initial
Stations installed every 10 to 20 feet around the perimeter contain slow-acting bait that workers carry back to the colony. Colony collapse takes 3 to 6 months. No drilling required — the preferred method for slab homes and homeowners who want to avoid soil injection. Mandatory annual monitoring fees of $200 to $500 per year apply. Not effective for drywood termites.
Tent Fumigation: $2,000 to $8,000
The gold standard for drywood termites. The entire structure is sealed with tarps and filled with sulfuryl fluoride gas for 24 to 72 hours. All occupants, pets, plants, and open food must be removed. Fumigation provides no residual prevention — a follow-up preventive treatment is strongly recommended within 60 days. Impossible on condos, townhouses, and attached units without whole-building cooperation.
| Home Size | Fumigation Low | Fumigation High | Pacific Coast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $1,200 | $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft | $1,800 | $3,500 | $2,500 – $4,800 |
| 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft | $2,200 | $5,000 | $3,200 – $6,500 |
| 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft | $3,500 | $6,500 | $4,800 – $8,500 |
| Over 4,000 sq ft | $5,000 | $8,000+ | $7,000 – $11,000+ |
Heat Treatment: $1,000 to $4,000
Chemical-free alternative for drywood termites. Raises structural temperature to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit — lethal to all termite life stages. Electronics, art, and heat-sensitive items must be removed. No residual prevention. Best option for homeowners avoiding chemicals and for attached units where fumigation is not feasible.
Spot Treatment: $225 to $900
Targeted foam injection for minor accessible drywood infestations. Only appropriate when a professional inspection confirms the infestation is truly isolated to one area. Spot-treating a multi-area drywood infestation misses active galleries elsewhere — leading to re-infestation within 12 to 24 months.
Borate Wood Treatment: $300 to $1,200
Applied to exposed wood surfaces in crawl spaces, attics, and accessible framing. Borate penetrates wood grain and creates permanent protection toxic to termites and wood-destroying fungi. Not effective as a stand-alone treatment for active infestations but highly effective as a preventive secondary barrier after any primary treatment.
Termite Treatment Without Tenting: Non-Fumigation Drywood Options
For attached units or homeowners avoiding whole-structure fumigation, localized options exist. Orange oil (d-Limonene) injected into drywood galleries costs $400 to $1,200 per area and kills termites on direct contact. Microwave treatment heats a localized wood section to lethal temperature for $300 to $900 per area. Both methods only treat what the applicator can directly reach — if drywood termites are active in multiple separate areas, localized methods frequently fail to reach all of them and fumigation becomes necessary at higher total cost.
What Kind of Termites Do You Have? Species Guide and Treatment Paths
Most termite calculators ask you to identify your species. That is the wrong approach. What you can accurately describe is what you have seen — and your signs map directly to species.
Eastern Subterranean Termites
Found in every US state except Alaska. Live in soil and build mud tubes to access above-ground wood. Key sign: pencil-wide soil tunnels on foundation walls, floor joists, or siding. Treatment: liquid barrier ($500 to $2,500) or bait system ($1,000 to $3,000). Soil treatments have zero effect on drywood termites.
Drywood Termites
Live entirely within wood with no soil contact. Common in Florida, California, Hawaii, and Gulf Coast states. Key sign: frass — tiny six-sided pellets near baseboards or furniture, no mud tubes present. Treatment for widespread colonies: fumigation ($2,000 to $8,000). Drywood treatment averages 40 to 60 percent more expensive than subterranean.
Formosan Subterranean Termites
An invasive species established in Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, and parts of California. Colonies are 10 to 30 times larger than native subterranean colonies — up to 10 million individuals. They cause structural damage in 3 months that would take native subterranean termites 3 years. Treatment costs run 25 to 40 percent higher due to termiticide volume and monitoring frequency required. Key sign: mud tubes identical to native subterranean but thicker and more numerous.
Dampwood Termites
Found on the Pacific Coast and in isolated Florida and Desert Southwest populations. Require direct contact with moist or decaying wood. The treatment is fixing the moisture source — once the wood dries, the colony cannot survive. Chemical treatment is secondary to moisture remediation. Average treatment cost: $300 to $1,500 including moisture assessment.
How Does Your US Region Affect Termite Treatment Cost and Urgency?
| Region | Primary Species | Hazard Level | Cost vs US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Formosan, Drywood, Subterranean | Extreme | +40 to +60% |
| Gulf Coast (LA, MS, TX coast) | Formosan, Eastern Subterranean | Very High | -5 to +10% |
| Southeast (FL, GA, SC, AL) | Eastern Sub, Drywood, Formosan | High | 0 to +10% |
| Pacific Coast (CA, OR, WA) | Drywood, Western Sub, Dampwood | Moderate to High | +25 to +45% |
| Northeast (NY, MA, PA, NJ) | Eastern Subterranean | Moderate | +20 to +35% |
| Midwest (IL, OH, IN, MO) | Eastern Subterranean | Low to Moderate | -5 to +5% |
| Mountain West (CO, UT, AZ) | Desert Subterranean (limited) | Low | -10 to 0% |
Foundation Type: The Biggest Hidden Cost Variable
Two identical homes in the same neighborhood can have treatment costs differing by $1,000 to $2,000 based solely on foundation type. Concrete slab homes require drilling through the floor every 12 inches around the perimeter — approximately 150 drill holes on an average home at $3 to $6 per hole, plus patching compound and labor. That adds $500 to $1,500 before any termiticide is applied. Combination foundations require both slab drilling and crawl space protocols simultaneously and are the most expensive access scenario.
Why Treatment History Changes Your Cost by 20 to 40 Percent
Retreatment on a previously treated property costs 20 to 40 percent less than first-time treatment. The soil perimeter is established, access points are documented, and the inspector knows the property. Always disclose prior treatment history when getting quotes and explicitly request retreatment pricing rather than first-time pricing.
If your existing bond is still active and termites appear, the pest control company is contractually obligated to retreat at no additional cost. Confirm the retreatment obligation in writing before authorizing any paid work.
What Happens on Termite Treatment Day?
Liquid Barrier Treatment Day
The crew arrives with a tank truck, drilling equipment, and trench tools. On crawl space homes, the crew enters the subfloor to treat piers and footings. On slab homes, the crew drills through interior floor perimeters at expansion joints and plumbing penetrations — holes are typically half-inch diameter, spaced every 12 inches. After injection, holes are patched with concrete. Total time: 3 to 6 hours. You can remain at home. A slight chemical odor for 24 to 48 hours is normal.
Fumigation Day
Three separate visits. Visit 1: the crew tarps the structure and introduces sulfuryl fluoride gas. All occupants, pets, plants, and open food must be out. Visit 2 (24 to 72 hours later): tarps are removed and the structure aerates for a minimum of 6 hours. Visit 3: a certified fumigator uses a detector device to confirm gas levels are safe before clearance is issued. Total process: 2 to 4 days including aeration and clearance testing.
Bait System Installation Day
The crew marks station locations around the perimeter, drills holes in soil, and installs in-ground bait stations. Installation takes 2 to 4 hours. You remain at home throughout. Within 30 to 90 days, foraging termites find the stations and begin feeding. Annual inspection visits check every station, replace spent bait, and document activity.
Can You Treat Termites Yourself?
DIY is only viable for two scenarios. First: preventive perimeter soil treatment on a home that has never had termites, using consumer fipronil concentrate (Taurus SC) applied as a trench-and-treat around the foundation. Cost: $80 to $200 versus $500 to $800 professionally. Second: spot treatment of a confirmed isolated drywood infestation using expanding foam on an accessible, truly contained infestation.
Active subterranean infestations always require professional equipment. Consumer products cannot achieve the soil saturation volume required for a complete barrier — a professional rig injects at 4 gallons per 10 linear feet at 4-foot depth. DIY application cannot match this, and an incomplete barrier creates gaps the colony finds within 6 to 18 months.
Whole-home drywood infestations require professional fumigation. Foam spray treats only what you can see and reach. Drywood galleries extend deep into wall cavities, roof framing, and subflooring. Spot-treating visible frass exits while the main colony continues in the structure is the most common reason homeowners pay for fumigation after wasting $200 to $500 on DIY products. DIY treatment also never satisfies WDI report requirements for real estate transactions.
How to Read a Termite Quote and Spot Red Flags
A legitimate termite treatment quote is a written, itemized document. It specifies the active ingredient, linear footage of treatment zone, foundation access protocol, warranty terms, and the contractor’s state license number.
- Linear footage measured on site: if they have not measured your foundation, they have not quoted your job
- Active ingredient named: fipronil, imidacloprid, or chlorantraniliprole — not just “termiticide”
- Drilling protocol stated: if your home is on a slab and the quote does not mention drilling, ask directly
- Warranty terms in writing: duration, retreatment triggers, what is and is not covered
- License number listed: verify on your state pest control board website before signing
Red flags: same-day pressure to sign, price dramatically lower than two other quotes with no explanation, no mention of the specific active ingredient, bond that requires a full new treatment (not renewal) to reinstate after lapse, contractor who recommends fumigation for subterranean termites or liquid barrier for confirmed multi-area drywood infestation.
What Does a Termite Bond Cover? Every Bond Type Explained
Retreat-Only Bond: $100 to $300 Per Year
Annual inspection plus free retreatment if termites return. Does not cover structural damage repair. Appropriate for newer homes in moderate-risk regions where financial exposure to damage between annual inspections is manageable.
Retreat-and-Repair Bond: $200 to $500 Per Year
Covers retreatment plus structural damage repair up to the stated policy limit — typically $250,000 to $1,000,000. In the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Coast states where termite pressure is continuous, this bond type is the only rational choice. The annual premium difference between retreat-only and retreat-and-repair is typically $100 to $200. Given average structural repair bills of $3,000 to $15,000 and insurance covering none of it, the math consistently favors repair coverage.
Annual Inspection Only: $75 to $200 Per Year
Not technically a bond — no treatment obligation. Covers an annual licensed inspection and written report only. Used primarily for home sale documentation and by homeowners who want a paper trail without a service contract.
National Company Protection Plans: $400 to $1,600 Per Year
Terminix, Orkin, and Rentokil subscription plans include annual inspections, retreatment coverage, and in some cases repair coverage. More expensive than independent bonds but offer national documentation for real estate transactions and transferability across state lines.
| Bond Type | Annual Cost | Retreatment | Repair Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection only | $75 – $200 | No | No | Low-risk regions, paper trail only |
| Retreat-only bond | $100 – $300 | Yes | No | Moderate-risk, newer homes |
| Retreat-and-repair bond | $200 – $500 | Yes | Yes | All high-risk regions, older homes |
| National company plan | $400 – $1,600 | Yes | Some tiers | Home sale documentation, transferability |
| Bait system monitoring | $200 – $500 | Included | No | Prevention, no drilling needed |
What Is a WDI Report and When Is It Required for a Home Sale?
The Wood Destroying Insect report is one of the most time-sensitive documents in a US residential real estate transaction. VA loans require it in 39 US states as a mandatory closing condition. FHA loans require it when appraisers find evidence of infestation. Many conventional purchase contracts include it as a buyer contingency.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
A standalone WDI inspection and report costs $75 to $200 from a licensed pest control operator. The report is valid for 90 days. If active infestation or damage is found, treatment must be completed and the property re-inspected before the loan closes. A re-inspection after treatment typically costs $50 to $150 additional. The treatment-to-clearance process adds 1 to 3 weeks to closing timelines. Schedule 4 to 6 weeks before your target closing date.
Bond Transfer at Closing
If the property has an existing active termite bond, that bond can typically be transferred to the buyer for $50 to $200. The transfer requires an inspection and documentation from the pest control company. A transferred active bond satisfies the WDI report requirement in most states — eliminating the need for a separate inspection. Negotiate the seller covering the transfer fee as part of the purchase agreement.
Does New Construction Need Termite Pre-Treatment?
New construction termite pre-treatment — applying termiticide to soil before the concrete slab is poured — is required by building codes in many US counties in USDA termite hazard zones 1 and 2. It costs $400 to $1,200 for a whole-home pre-treatment versus $1,000 to $3,500 for post-construction liquid barrier treatment that requires drilling through the finished slab. New homeowners should confirm with the builder that pre-treatment was performed, what product was used, and whether a post-construction inspection bond is included.
Who Pays for Termite Treatment in a Rental or Condo?
In most US states, termite treatment in rental properties is the landlord’s legal responsibility under the implied warranty of habitability. Tenants should notify the landlord in writing. If the landlord fails to act within 14 to 30 days depending on state law, tenants may have rights to rent withholding, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination.
For condo unit owners, treatment responsibility depends on whether the infestation is within the unit boundaries or in common structural elements. Most HOA governing documents assign structural pest control for shared elements (foundation, exterior walls, roof framing) to the association and interior-only infestations to the individual owner. Review your CC&Rs before authorizing any treatment work.
Does Insurance Cover Termite Damage? Repair Costs Explained
Standard homeowners insurance (HO-3) excludes termite damage without exception. A termite bond is the only financial protection available. Treatment eliminates the colony but does not repair the damage — repair is a separate contractor and a separate invoice.
| Damage Type | Typical Repair Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surface cosmetic (trim, siding) | $300 – $1,500 | Non-structural, often DIY-accessible |
| Hollow wood (looks intact, eaten inside) | $500 – $2,500 | Requires structural assessment |
| Floor joist sistering or replacement | $1,000 – $4,500 | Most common repair in crawl space homes |
| Subfloor replacement | $1,500 – $5,000 | Usually combined with joist work |
| Wall framing or stud replacement | $1,200 – $4,000 | Requires opening walls |
| Severe whole-structure damage | $10,000 – $50,000+ | Long-term undetected infestations |
How Long Does Termite Treatment Last?
| Treatment Method | Protection Duration | Ongoing Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid barrier (fipronil) | 5 to 8 years | Annual inspection recommended |
| Liquid barrier (imidacloprid) | 5 to 7 years | Annual inspection recommended |
| Bait station system | Continuous with monitoring | Annual station service required |
| Tent fumigation | None (one-time elimination) | Follow-up preventive treatment strongly recommended |
| Heat treatment | None (one-time elimination) | Follow-up borate application recommended |
| Borate wood treatment | Indefinite (while wood stays dry) | None |
What Are the Signs Termite Treatment Is Working?
Signs Liquid Barrier Treatment Is Working
In the first 2 to 4 weeks: dead or disoriented termites may appear near the treated perimeter and mud tube activity stops. Finding dead termites near treated areas is a sign the treatment is working — the non-repellent transfer mechanism means workers carry the termiticide back to the colony. In weeks 8 to 12: a professional re-inspection finds no live activity in previously active areas. Full colony collapse with fipronil-based products typically takes 60 to 90 days.
Signs Bait Treatment Is Working
In weeks 1 to 8: monitoring material in stations near active areas shows feeding damage. Bait consumption increases as more workers find the source. In months 4 to 6: bait consumption drops sharply as the colony collapses. Full Sentricon colony elimination averages 3 to 6 months.
Signs Fumigation Worked
Fumigation kills all termites present at time of treatment immediately. A clearance test with a sulfuryl fluoride detector confirms gas levels are safe before re-entry. A re-inspection at 30 days checks for new frass or kick-out holes that would indicate new activity in a previously undetected area.
How to Choose a Termite Treatment Company
License Verification
Every state requires a structural pest control license for termite treatment. License numbers are public record on your state Department of Agriculture or Pest Control Board website. Verify the license number on the quote is current and not suspended before signing anything.
Credentials That Matter
NPMA (National Pest Management Association) membership indicates adherence to industry standards. QualityPro certification requires background checks, insurance verification, and customer service standards. Board-Certified Entomologist (BCE) designation indicates post-graduate level expertise relevant for complex infestations.
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Three written quotes is the minimum. Ask each contractor: “How many gallons of diluted termiticide will you apply, at what concentration, to how many linear feet?” This single question separates thorough contractors from those cutting corners on product volume. A quote 40 percent lower than the others almost always means reduced termiticide volume, shorter warranty, or plans to skip foundation drilling your home requires.
How Do You Prevent Termites from Coming Back After Treatment?
Professional treatment eliminates the existing colony. It does not permanently exclude new colonies from entering. The following conditions are responsible for the majority of re-infestation cases within 5 years of treatment.
- Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact — siding, framing, deck posts, and fence posts touching soil are the most common subterranean termite entry points. Minimum clearance: 6 inches between soil and any wood element
- Keep mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation and no deeper than 3 inches — organic mulch retains moisture and cellulose, both attractants for subterranean termites
- Fix all plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and drainage issues immediately — moisture accumulation is the primary attractant for subterranean termites in drier regions
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the structure and elevated off the ground
- Remove tree stumps, dead roots, and buried lumber from the property — active subterranean colony food sources
- Schedule annual professional inspections to maintain bond validity and catch new activity before structural penetration occurs
- Install perimeter bait monitoring stakes (Spectracide Terminate) for early detection between annual professional visits