Complete Guide to Termite Treatment: Services, Cost & How to Treat Termites

Imagine this: You wake up one morning, step into your living room, and notice a small pile of sawdust near the baseboard. A quick investigation reveals soft, hollow-sounding wood and strange little mud tubes snaking up your wall. Bad news—you’ve got termites.

Termites are not just a nuisance—they’re a serious threat. These silent destroyers cause billions of dollars in damage each year, often before homeowners even realize they’ve moved in.

Whether you’re looking to prevent termites, already battling an infestation, or just want to learn the best termite control services, this guide walks you through everything: from signs of infestation, termite treatment methods, costs, and the pros and cons of DIY vs. hiring a pro.

What Are Termites? (And Why They’re So Dangerous)

Termites are tiny, ant-like insects that thrive on cellulose—a compound found in wood, paper, and even drywall. Unlike ants, they rarely come out into the open. They hide inside walls, foundations, and furniture, eating from the inside out.

There are three major types of termites in most residential infestations:

Subterranean termites: Live underground and are the most destructive.

Drywood termites: Live in dry wood like your walls and furniture.

Dampwood termites: Prefer moist wood, common in humid climates or poorly ventilated areas.

🧠 “A small colony of subterranean termites can eat through a 2×4 in less than six months.” — National Pest Management Association

Early Warning Signs of a Termite Infestation

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Spotting the early signs of termites can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Keep an eye out for:

Mud tubes on walls or foundations

Hollow-sounding wood

Tiny piles of frass (termite droppings) that look like sawdust

Swarms of winged termites (especially after rain)

Discarded wings near windows or doors

Bubbling or uneven paint on wooden surfaces

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to take action.

Types of Termite Treatment Methods

1. Liquid Termiticides

One of the most widely used termite treatment options. This involves trenching around your home and injecting a chemical barrier into the soil. Popular products include Termidor, Premise, and Taurus SC.

✅ Pros:

• Long-lasting (up to 10 years)
• Immediate knockdown of colonies

❌ Cons:

• Requires professional application
• Can be expensive

2. Termite Bait Systems

Strategically placed bait stations attract termites, which then take the poison back to the colony, eliminating it over time.

✅ Pros:

• Low toxicity and eco-friendly
• Great for long-term monitoring

❌ Cons:

• Slower than liquid treatments
• Requires maintenance

3. Fumigation

Used for drywood termites, this method involves tenting your home and pumping in a gas that penetrates walls, furniture, and beams.

✅ Pros:

• Highly effective for whole-house infestations

❌ Cons:

• Requires vacating the home for up to 72 hours
• No residual protection

4. Wood Treatment

Spot-treating infested wood with borate solutions or termiticides. Works best for localized infestations.

✅ Pros:

• Effective and low-impact
• Great for furniture or framing

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t protect the rest of the house
• Limited to exposed wood

5. Heat Treatment

Raises the internal temperature of wood structures to around 120-140°F, which kills termites.

✅ Pros:

• No chemicals
• Safe for pets and people

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t offer residual protection
• Not suitable for large-scale infestations

Cost of Termite Treatment

The cost of treating for termites can vary widely depending on:

Size of infestation

Type of termites

Treatment method

Location of your property

Treatment Type	Estimated Cost
Liquid Termiticides	$5 to $16 per linear foot
Bait Systems	$1,000 to $3,500
Fumigation (tenting)	$1,200 to $2,800+
Heat Treatment	$800 to $2,500
Spot Wood Treatments	$300 to $1,000

🧾 Tip: Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed termite control services before committing.

DIY Termite Treatment: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a hands-on homeowner, you may wonder if treating for termites yourself is an option. For small or early infestations, DIY termite treatment may help. Products like Spectracide Terminate, boric acid, or diatomaceous earth can be used in limited applications.

But remember:

❗ DIY is NOT ideal for full-blown infestations. It’s easy to miss hidden colonies, and misapplication can pose health risks or make the infestation worse.

Bottom line: Use DIY as a short-term patch, but call in professionals for thorough termite control services.

Top Termite Control Services in the Industry

When choosing a pest control provider, look for licensed professionals with termite-specific experience. Trusted national names include:

Terminix

Orkin

Rentokil (Western Exterminator)

Aptive Environmental

Local pest control services with strong online reviews and termite guarantees

🗣 “The right pest control provider will not only treat your termite issue but help prevent future infestations with a tailored plan.” — Matt Newlon, Certified Entomologist

How to Choose the Right Termite Treatment Plan

When selecting a termite control strategy, ask yourself:

How extensive is the infestation?

Do I need a long-term prevention plan or a one-time treatment?

Are there pets or kids in the home?

What’s my budget?

A good termite inspection will provide you with all the answers and help determine whether chemical barriers, bait stations, or tenting is the right solution.

Prevention Tips: Keep Termites Out for Good

Here’s how to termite-proof your home:

🛠 Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks, clean gutters, and dehumidify crawlspaces
🪵 Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Don’t let fence posts, decks, or firewood touch the ground
🧱 Seal Entry Points: Cracks in the foundation? Gaps in siding? Seal them.
🌳 Trim Landscaping: Don’t let bushes or trees brush up against your home
📅 Annual Inspections: Early detection = less damage

💡 Preventive termite treatments are 50% cheaper than dealing with damage repairs later.

FAQs from Google’s People Also Ask Section

❓How long does termite treatment last?

Depending on the treatment, protection can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Liquid barriers tend to last longer than bait systems.

❓Are termite treatments safe for pets and kids?

Most professional treatments are safe after they dry or after re-entry is allowed. Always follow safety guidelines from your provider.

❓What time of year is best for termite treatment?

Spring is peak swarm season, but the best time is before an infestation happens. Many treatments are effective year-round.

❓Can termites come back after treatment?

Yes, especially if preventive measures aren’t followed. That’s why many pros recommend annual maintenance or monitoring.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Termites are sneaky, destructive, and relentless—but with the right approach, you can beat them.

Whether you’re battling an active infestation or just trying to prevent a nightmare, understanding your termite treatment options gives you power.

💥 Don’t let termites eat your home from the inside out.
💼 Contact a licensed termite control service today for a free inspection and quote.
💡 A small investment now could save you tens of thousands later.