How much does Termite extermination cost?

Based on 10,663 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$79

TYPICAL

$150

$385

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

A termite infestation can cause costly damage to your home if left untreated
Termite control costs are based on the size of your home and the treatment method used
Heat treatment and fumigation provide the best results, although they’re the most expensive options

Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage to homes every year. Homeowners can limit the damage by having yearly home inspections and reacting quickly at the first signs of termites.

It might be tempting to try DIY termite control or repellent, but incorrect use of termiticides or pesticides is dangerous to humans and pets. Botching the treatment can also prolong the termite problem, leading to more termite damage.

After a thorough termite inspection, pest control companies will identify the location and species of termites invading your home to create a tailored treatment plan. Read on to learn the average cost of termite extermination and how to get a free inspection.

For more on inspection pricing, read the Cost of termite inspection.

Total termite treatment cost

The average cost of termite treatment ranges from $225–1,000, depending on the size of your home, type of termite infestation, and treatment method, with a national average cost of $700.

Detailed termite treatment costs

Here are the most common treatment methods used by pest control companies.

Termite bait. The exterminator places bait stations treated with termiticide near termite colonies. Termite bait systems tend to be less effective than chemical treatment, heat treatment, or fumigation. There’s no guarantee termites will take the bait, and the other methods are more widespread. Termite bait treatments usually cost between $4–10 per linear foot.

Chemical treatment. The termite exterminator sprays a liquid termiticide around the foundation of your home. This is one of the most common forms of treatment. Chemical treatment usually costs between $10–21 per linear foot.

Heat treatment. Sometimes called tenting, your house will be covered with tarps and heated to 120 degrees. That’s hot enough to kill the termites but won’t harm the house. The process takes about 8 hours. Pets and plants should be removed in addition to other heat-sensitive items—be sure to discuss with your exterminator. The average cost for heat treatment is $15–25 per linear foot.

Fumigation treatment. As with heat treatment, the house is tented for fumigation, but instead of hot air, an insecticide is pumped into the home, killing the termites. This gas is also toxic to humans, pets, and plants, which will need to stay out of the home for a few days. Discuss the process with your termite control company to determine how to prepare your home and which additional items to remove. Fumigation costs between $17–25 per linear foot.

Cost factors

Certain factors affect the total cost of termite control.

Home size. The size of your home is one of the biggest factors that affects cost because pest control companies often charge by linear foot or square foot, depending on the termite control treatment. Some exterminators may charge a flat rate when treating the entire home. Expect to pay a rate of $2,000–8,000 for whole-home fumigation or heat treatments.

Treatment type. Different treatment methods will have different price points, with whole-home tenting being the most costly. Exterminators choose a method based on the size and location of the infestation.

Extent of the infestation. Termite infestations that involve the entire house will cost more than a small termite problem. Pest control companies usually charge by the linear foot or square foot.

Damage repair. While this doesn’t affect the cost of termite extermination, it should be factored into your total out-of-pocket costs since ongoing termite activity can require thousands of dollars of repairs.

How to save money

Be proactive to prevent termite infestations:

Fix leaks right away. Dampwood termites will infest homes with high moisture levels.
Don’t plant trees or shrubs too close to your home or allow them to grow against wooden surfaces because these hide termite mud tubes (see below).
Don’t store firewood near the house.
Inspect for termite damage periodically (below).

Learn the signs of termite infestations:

Mud tubes. Built by subterranean termites, mud tubes the size of a drinking straw allow these insects to reach the wood they infest. Mud tubes are usually attached to the house. Check around window sills, under porches, in crawl spaces, along your basement’s outer walls, and in other areas of the home.
Frass. Termite droppings look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
Damaged wood surfaces. Peeling paint or wood that’s warped or appears to have water damage can indicate termite damage underneath.
Hollow wood. Wood with termite damage will sound hollow when you knock on it, and it often looks like a honeycomb inside.
Termite swarms. You may see live or dead insects.
Discarded wings. Often indicate that termites have burrowed into the wood or drywall.

Use the same company. Professional pest control companies often waive termite inspection costs if you hire them to perform extermination.

Shop around. Compare pricing from mom-and-pop exterminators and the big companies like Orkin and Terminix. Check their reviews on Yelp—you don’t want to sacrifice customer service and quality for price.

FAQs

How much does termite treatment cost?

Termite extermination costs vary from $225–1,000, but the average is $700. The costs can vary based on the treatment plan and home size.

Are termite treatment costs worth it?

Most homeowners consider the cost of termite treatment to be worth it when compared to the cost of potential structural damage. Structural repair can reach $15,000+.

Do termites come back after treatment?

Termites can potentially come back after treatment. Many reputable termite control companies offer warranties and will retreat your home for free or a reduced cost if termites return within a certain amount of time. They should also advise on termite protection to prevent future termite infestations.

Find a termite extermination professional today.

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