How Much Does Termite Inspection and Treatment Cost?

Termite Inspection and Treatment Costs at a Glance

• Inspection: $75-$150
• Treatment: $240-$6,500, range; $520, average
• Micro treatment: $6-$8
• Annual treatment contract: $175-$1,500 per year

Termites. Just the word can make a homeowner shudder, and rightfully so. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, structural damage caused by termites costs U.S. residents billions of dollars every year.

Protecting your home from these pests is essential. Let’s take a closer look at pest inspection and termite treatment costs and the factors that may affect them.

How Can You Recognize a Termite Infestation?

Unless you're a trained professional, it’s not always possible to recognize a termite infestation. But, if you’re vigilant, you may spot several common signs that termites have invaded your home:

• Soft wood
• Bubbling paint
• Small piles of sawdust-like feces
• Mud tubes on your home’s exterior
• Discarded wings near windowsills or entryways

If you see signs of infestation, you should contact a pest control specialist ASAP.

Talk to a Pro

(877) 414-3347

Termite Inspection Costs

Even if you don’t suspect a termite problem, annual inspections can detect infestations early so they can be addressed before they cause significant damage to your home. Depending on where you live and the size of your house, most homeowners can expect termite inspection costs to average somewhere between $75 and $150, according to HomeGuide.

Termite Treatments

Termite treatments fall into two distinct categories: chemical and non-chemical treatments.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments, known as termiticides, are commonly used to treat termite infestations. These EPA-approved chemicals typically must be applied by a trained pest control professional.

The most common chemical treatments are:

• Fumigation (tenting)
• Termite baits
• Wood treatments
• Soil-applied barrier treatments

Non-Chemical Treatments

Non-chemical termite treatments don’t involve the application of insecticides. Instead, they control termites by creating a physical barrier such as sand or biological control agents such as fungi or nematodes. Heat treatments may also be effective in treating infestations of drywood termites.

Termite Treatment Costs

Although termite treatment can range anywhere from $240 to a whopping $6,500, based on data from Fixr, the average perimeter treatment for a 2,500-square-foot house comes in at about $520. Termite treatment costs are typically calculated using square or linear feet.

Here's a breakdown of common termite treatment costs by type:

• Heat treatments: $1 to $3 per square foot
• Liquid perimeter treatments: $3 to $16 per linear foot
• Whole-house fumigation (termite tenting): $1 to $3 per square foot
• Baiting: $8 to $12 per linear foot (costs vary by number and type of bait)
• Barrier control: $10 to $16 per linear foot

If termites are caught before the infestation spreads, termite exterminators may be able to use a micro treatment, which targets a small area. This may cost between $6 and $8, depending on the method being used.

If reinfestation occurs, many exterminators will retreat the affected area at no additional cost.

Factors That Can Affect the Cost

Termite treatment costs are based on several main factors, including:

• The size of the house or treatment area
• The type of termites
• The severity of the infestation
• The treatment method
• The addition of termite protection barriers such as sand or steel mesh

How Often Do You Need Termite Treatments?

How often you should treat your home depends on the type of treatment and whether a reinfestation has occurred. Liquid termiticides typically control termites for five years or longer, while other treatments may only require a single application. When treating major infestations, regular rechecks are crucial and may be conducted annually or monthly, depending on the type of treatment. For example, bait treatments may require frequent rechecks to inspect or replace the bait.

In areas that have extensive termite activity, homeowners may sign annual inspection and treatment contracts, which can cost anywhere from $175 to $1,500 per year.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

If you experience a major termite infestation, the damage to your home can be severe. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover repair costs for damage caused by termites and other household pests.

However, many plans do provide coverage if termite damage causes a sudden and complete structural collapse, with no prior signs of infestation. Termite damage may also be covered if the infestation was likely caused by a covered risk. For example, if a pipe leak caused water damage, which led to a termite infestation, your policy may cover the costs of repairs.