Professional termite treatment in the United States is typically $500 to $2,500 for a standard residential infestation. Localized spot treatments can cost less, while whole-house fumigation for widespread drywood termites commonly costs $4,000 to $8,000. A termite inspection usually costs $75 to $200.
The price depends on the termite species, treatment method, home size, infestation severity and whether the quote includes an ongoing warranty.
Termite Treatment Cost at a Glance
| Service or treatment | Typical U.S. cost |
|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 to $200 |
| Localized or spot treatment | $250 to $900 |
| Liquid soil barrier | $800 to $2,500 |
| Termite bait station system | $1,500 to $3,500 initially |
| Annual monitoring or warranty renewal | About $150 to $400 per year |
| Whole-house fumigation | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Termite damage repairs | About $250 to $6,000 or more |
Published cost guides vary because some prices cover only the initial pesticide application. Others include inspections, warranties, monitoring and follow-up visits.
How Much Does Each Termite Treatment Method Cost?
Treatment method costs range from about $250 for a localized spot treatment to $8,000 for whole-house fumigation. The right option depends on the termite species, the location of the colony and the condition of the property.
Liquid Termite Barrier: $800 to $2,500
Liquid barrier treatment is one of the most common options for subterranean termites. A pest professional usually trenches or drills around the foundation and applies a registered termiticide to create a treated zone between the soil colony and the structure.
The price may increase when the company must drill through concrete, treat a crawl space, work around additions or reach difficult sections of the foundation. Some companies price this work by the linear foot of foundation perimeter. Published estimates commonly range from about $3 to $16 per linear foot.
Termite Bait Stations: $1,500 to $3,500 Initially
Bait systems use cellulose bait containing a slow-acting insecticide. Stations are installed around the property and inspected regularly. Baiting can be useful when liquid soil treatment is unsuitable, including some properties with wells, drainage systems or difficult foundation access.
The initial installation is only part of the cost. Homeowners generally pay an annual monitoring or renewal fee of about $150 to $400, depending on the provider and warranty terms. Bait systems may take months to control a colony and require continued monitoring.
Spot Treatment: $250 to $900
Spot treatment is appropriate when an inspection identifies a small, clearly defined area of termite activity. The technician may inject foam, dust or liquid directly into infested wood or termite galleries.
Spot treatment usually costs less than treating the entire structure, but it has a greater risk of missing hidden colonies. This matters with drywood termites, which can live inside roof structures, walls and other wood without visible soil contact.
Whole-House Fumigation: $4,000 to $8,000
Fumigation is mainly used for widespread drywood termite infestations. The home is tented and treated with sulfuryl fluoride gas by a certified professional. It is then aerated and tested before residents can return. Occupants, pets and plants must leave the property during treatment.
Fumigation can eliminate hidden drywood termite colonies throughout a structure, but it does not provide lasting residual protection. A property can become reinfested if entry points and damaged wood are not addressed.
Why Do Termite Treatment Prices Vary?
The quote usually changes based on these factors:
- Termite species: Subterranean termites often require soil barriers or bait systems. Drywood termites may require localized wood treatment or fumigation.
- Home size: Larger homes have more foundation perimeter, crawl-space area and structural wood to inspect and treat.
- Infestation severity: A small, active colony costs less to treat than widespread or long-established activity.
- Foundation and access: Concrete slabs, patios, attached garages, additions and narrow crawl spaces can increase labor costs.
- Treatment warranty: A low initial price may exclude annual inspections, retreatment coverage or damage repairs.
- Termite damage: Replacing structural wood, drywall, flooring or insulation is separate from eliminating the termites. Repair costs can exceed the treatment cost.
Which Termite Treatment Is Usually the Right Choice?
The right treatment depends on the termite species, the colony location and whether the structure can be treated safely.
For subterranean termites, a professionally installed liquid barrier is often the most direct option when the foundation can be treated. A bait system may be preferable when soil treatment is impractical or when the homeowner wants continued monitoring.
For widespread drywood termites, whole-structure fumigation provides the broadest treatment because it can reach hidden colonies. For a small, confirmed drywood colony, localized treatment may be sufficient if the inspection identifies every affected area.
What Should a Termite Treatment Quote Include?
A termite treatment quote should identify:
- The termite species found.
- Whether the termites are active or the evidence is old.
- The treatment method and product.
- The areas included and excluded from treatment.
- The number of visits and follow-up inspections.
- The annual renewal or monitoring cost.
- Whether the warranty covers retreatment only or termite damage as well.
- Any drilling, concrete repair, wood replacement or other additional charges.
The company should be licensed by the state and should explain the product label, safety precautions and reentry requirements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using trained pest management professionals because improperly applied termiticides can fail to protect the structure and may contaminate soil or nearby water sources.
Bottom Line
Compare termite quotes by first-year cost, treatment coverage, follow-up visits and warranty terms, not just the initial price. Ask whether annual monitoring, retreatment, drilling, concrete repair and termite damage repairs are included or billed separately.