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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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When you spot termite damage, it can feel like a shock. Homeowners often ask how much it costs to get rid of termites. In my 100+ termite cases, acting fast usually costs less than months of hidden damage.
Termites feed on wood 24/7 and cause more harm each year than fires or floods. According to the National Pest Management Association, termite damage exceeds $5 billion annually. That makes knowing termite treatment cost critical.
Getting rid of termites quickly can save thousands in repairs. This guide shows treatment options, average cost, and why a timely termite inspection matters.
Several factors affect termite treatment cost. Each home and infestation is unique. Understanding what drives costs helps you plan a fitting treatment plan.
A termite inspection pinpoints where termites may be active in your home. Licensed technicians probe key areas to catch infestations early. Regular checks can cut total cost by spotting problems before they spread.
The average termite inspection cost ranges from $75 to $200, depending on home size. Some pest control companies charge by the linear foot of foundation. Getting a detailed report can guide your next steps.
Many providers include a free termite inspection when you request service. Scheduling a professional check ensures you know if termites are active in your home.
Knowing your termite species shapes the best treatment plan. In our region, the two common types of termite are the subterranean termite and drywood termite. Formosan termites rarely show up here but pose a rapid threat if they do.
According to the University of Georgia, subterranean termites are found in every state except Alaska. Subterranean termite infestations often need soil treatment or baiting, while drywood termite issues may call for fumigation or heat treatment.
Early signs of termite infestation help you treat for termites before serious damage. Spotting problems when they start lowers overall treatment costs and repair bills.
For more tips on spotting termite activity, see our Termite Prevention & Control guide.
You have three main termite treatments: liquid barriers, bait systems, and whole-structure fumigation. Each method has a different average cost to get rid of termites and a unique way of stopping colonies.
Learn more in our How to Kill Termites: Expert Methods to Get Rid of Termites article and How to Get Rid of Termites: Pro Methods & Home Remedies.
Liquid treatments involve trenching and drilling around the foundation to apply termiticide. Non-repellent liquids let termites contact the barrier then carry poison back to the colony.
Most liquid treatments cost $3–$16 per linear foot of foundation. For an average home with 200 ft of perimeter, expect $1,000–$3,200 for the initial treatment. Annual renewal fees often run $100–$300.
Bait systems like Sentricon use stations placed every 10–20 ft around a home. Termites feed on bait, carry slow-acting poison to the colony, and cause collapse over months.
Initial baiting costs range $1,500–$3,000, often $8–$12 per linear foot. Annual maintenance can run $300–$500. Many programs include a termite bond that covers damage repair if termites break through while you stay under contract.
Whole-structure fumigation (tenting) kills drywood termites inside all wood members. It requires vacating the home for about 2–3 days and does not prevent subterranean termite reinfestation unless you also apply a barrier treatment.
Choose tenting when:
Fumigation costs based on home size, typically $1–$4 per square foot. A 1,200 sq ft house may cost $1,200–$2,500, while a 2,500 sq ft home can run $2,200–$3,800. Severe infestations or complex rooflines may push costs higher.
Even after tenting, you’ll need a soil treatment or bait system to guard against subterranean termite reinfestation.
Over-the-counter termite baits and sprays exist, but they often fail to reach full colony size or seal all entry points. Improper DIY termite work can leave gaps in a barrier and let termites thrive.
Professionals use calibrated injection tools, EPA approved termiticides, and follow safety standards you can’t replicate with consumer products.
Treatment costs rise with infestation size:
The severity of damage to framing, multiple termite colonies, and the need for drilling under slabs can push costs higher.
The national average for termite treatment is about $1,500. By comparison, the average repair bill for termite damage is $1,800, often rising to $5,000–$10,000 if left unchecked. One homeowner faced over $15,000 in repairs versus a $1,500 preventive plan.
Investing in a termite inspection and treatment can cost less than repairing termite damage later. In fact, research shows termite prevention being cheaper than repairs.
Treatment options vary in price, speed, and warranty:
Preventive plans and termite bonds can help keep your home protected year-round. Many programs include:
Our SeasonGuard+ bundle even adds pest and rodent control under one monthly bill.
Pick a termite control company based on these criteria:
Check local experts like Northern Virginia Termite Control or Alexandria Termite Control.
Certain conditions can raise termite treatment cost and risk:
Addressing these issues can lower termite activity and cut treatment needs.
Repairing termite damage can include:
Each repair adds to the total cost, making early termite removal far more cost-effective.
In my experience, proactive bait systems like Sentricon often cost less and cause less stress when caught early. Severe subterranean termite infestations sometimes need targeted liquid treatment with products like Premise® or Termidor® for a faster cure.
Our internal research team vetted every product we use. Each is EPA approved and one we’d use in our own homes.
Ready to protect your home and control costs? Call us with any questions or for an estimate at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected].
If you catch termites early, a targeted treatment plan can rescue the structure. Licensed technicians will inspect, treat active areas, and set up protection to stop termites from returning.
Tenting shines for drywood termite infestations inside walls and furniture. For subterranean termite activity, combine fumigation with a liquid barrier or bait to prevent reinfestation.
Liquid barrier treatments often take one initial visit and annual renewals. Bait systems can require 3–6 visits over 6–12 months to collapse a colony, depending on size.
Buying a home with termite damage can be viable if you negotiate repair costs and secure a reliable termite bond. Always get a termite inspection report as part of the sale.
A professional termite inspection generally costs $75–$200. Some firms use a flat rate, others charge $0.50–$1.00 per linear foot of foundation.
Liquid termite treatments usually run $3–$16 per linear foot of foundation, totaling $1,000–$3,200 for an average single-family home, plus $100–$300 annual renewals.
On average, subterranean termite treatments cost about $1,500 for initial work. Severe infestations needing both bait and liquid methods can reach $3,000–$5,000.
Factors include infestation severity, termite species, home size, soil moisture, construction type, and ease of access for trenching or drilling. Addressing these elements helps control overall price.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
