How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Updated 24 March 2026
Liquid barrier: $500-$2,500. Bait stations: $1,500-$3,000. Fumigation (tenting): $1,200-$2,500. Spot treatment: $200-$800.
Cost by Treatment Type
| Treatment | How It Works | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid / chemical barrier | Termiticide injected into soil around perimeter. Termites die crossing the barrier. | $500-$2,500 |
| Bait stations | Stations placed around home. Termites eat bait and carry it back to colony. | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Fumigation (tenting) | Whole house tented and fumigated with gas. Used for drywood termites. | $1,200-$2,500+ |
| Spot treatment | Localized injection into affected wood or area. For small, isolated infestations. | $200-$800 |
| Annual inspection | Visual inspection, WDO report provided. | $75-$300 |
| Termite bond (annual) | Ongoing contract with re-treatment guarantee. | $200-$400/year |
Subterranean vs Drywood vs Dampwood
Subterranean
Most common in the US. Lives in soil, builds mud tubes to reach wood. Found in all 49 continental states.
Best treatment: liquid barrier or bait stations
Drywood
Lives inside the wood. No soil contact. Common in Florida, Southern California, Hawaii. Leaves frass pellets.
Best treatment: fumigation or spot treatment
Dampwood
Needs wet or rotting wood to survive. Usually a moisture problem, not a pure termite problem. Less destructive.
Best treatment: fix moisture source first
Warning Signs to Look For
| Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Mud tubes on foundation | Active subterranean termites. Break one open and check for live insects. |
| Hollow-sounding wood | Termites eat from the inside out. Tap with a screwdriver and listen. |
| Discarded wings near windows | Swarmers shed wings after finding a new nesting site. Usually spring. |
| Frass (wood-colored pellets) | Drywood termite droppings. Look near baseboards, windowsills, below wooden furniture. |
| Blistered or bubbling paint | Subterranean activity beneath flooring or walls, sometimes mistaken for water damage. |
Common Questions
How much does termite treatment cost?
Liquid barrier treatment runs $500-$2,500 for an average home. Bait station systems cost $1,500-$3,000 with annual monitoring fees. Fumigation (whole-house tenting) costs $1,200-$2,500. Spot treatment for a localized area runs $200-$800.
What are the signs of termites?
Key signs include mud tubes running up your foundation walls, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, discarded wings near windows and doors (especially after spring rains), and frass (tiny wood-colored pellets) near baseboards or window sills. Blistered or bubbling paint can also indicate subterranean termite activity beneath.
What is the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean termites are the most common species in the US. They live in soil and travel up through mud tubes. Liquid barrier or bait station treatment is the standard approach. Drywood termites live inside the wood itself with no soil contact. They require either localized spot treatment or whole-house fumigation depending on the extent of infestation.
Do I need an annual termite inspection?
In termite-prone areas (Southeast, Texas, California), yes. Annual inspections cost $100-$300 and are worth it. Many pest control companies offer termite bonds: an annual contract that covers re-treatment if termites return, typically $200-$400 per year. Lenders often require a termite inspection (WDO report) before closing on a home.
Get 3 quotes
Prices vary significantly by region, home size, and infestation severity. Always get a written inspection report before agreeing to any treatment plan.