๐Ÿ“Œ Key Takeaway: Termite treatment ranges $550-$2,500 depending on infestation severity and method. Tent fumigation, reserved for severe cases, runs $1,200-$3,800. Termites cause over $5 billion in US property damage annually.

Treatment Cost by Type

Treatment TypeTypical CostBest For
Localized/spot treatment$550-$1,200Small, contained infestations
Full liquid barrier treatment$1,200-$2,500Widespread subterranean termites
Tent fumigation$1,200-$3,800Severe drywood termite infestations

What Drives the Price

  • Infestation severity โ€” a small, early-caught colony costs far less to treat than one that's spread through the structure.
  • Termite type โ€” subterranean termites typically require liquid barrier or bait system treatment; drywood termites sometimes require full tent fumigation.
  • Home size โ€” larger homes require more treatment area and material, raising overall cost.
  • Location risk factors โ€” high-termite-risk regions can add 10-30% to treatment cost due to more aggressive local termite pressure.

Damage Warranties Worth Understanding

Terminix's "Nix & Fix It" guarantee includes re-treatment plus repair coverage for new termite damage discovered while your plan remains active โ€” a meaningful protection against the risk of treatment not fully working. Always confirm the specific dollar coverage limit and exactly what's included before assuming a warranty covers full replacement cost.

Bait Systems vs. Liquid Barrier Treatment

Bait systems place stations around your property that termites feed on and share with the colony, offering a less invasive option that works gradually over weeks to months. Liquid barrier treatment creates a chemical barrier around your foundation, typically working faster but requiring more invasive application. Cost is often comparable between the two โ€” the better choice depends on infestation severity and how quickly you need results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are termite inspections really free?

Usually yes at major providers like Terminix and Orkin, though Orkin charges for inspections specifically tied to a real estate transaction โ€” worth confirming which scenario applies to you.

How long does termite treatment take to work?

Liquid barrier treatments typically show results within a few weeks as termites contact the treated soil; bait systems can take longer (weeks to months) since they rely on termites finding and sharing the bait with the colony.