How much does it cost to treat termites?

Prices include labor and materials.

While these are the national average costs of termite extermination, pest control companies in your local area may charge something different. For the most accurate costs, your best bet is to get free estimates from local pros.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn about other factors that can impact the costs of termite treatment. 

To better understand the costs of termite treatment, we've broken down the most common factors that affect the price. Use this to learn more about what you can expect to pay.

Type of treatment.

There are many different ways to approach a termite problem, including:

• Bait station. Bait treatment involves setting up a low dose of insecticide in a piece of wood or other attractive material to lure in termites. Termites feed on this poisoned substance and then bring it back to their colony, so it eventually kills them all.
• Heat treatment. This chemical-free way of killing termites uses dry heat to kill termites in just a few hours.
• Fumigation. To treat your entire home, you might choose fumigation. This involves enclosing it in a gas-proof enclosure and exposing it to sulfuryl fluoride gas. This is typically the most expensive way to treat termites.

Chat with your exterminator about the treatments they offer, how much they cost, and which one would be best to address your infestation.

Related: How to get rid of termites.

Type of termite.

Your costs can also vary depending on the type of termite. The three main kinds of termites are dry wood, damp wood, and subterranean termites. Here's a quick overview of each type:

• Drywood termites. As the name suggests, drywood termites don't require much moisture and prefer structural wood in places like attics, fences, utility poles, and more. But because they make noise, homeowners usually find and treat them sooner, leading to less damage. 
• Dampwood termites. Dampwood termites are less destructive than drywood termites, as they typically feast on moist wood that's touching the ground. As long as you keep your home dry, these termites shouldn't cause much interior damage.
• Subterranean termites. These are typically the most costly termites to deal with. They build hard-to-reach underground nests and enter your home through minuscule cracks to cause damage.

Related: 7 signs pests are hiding in your home.

Amount of damage.

The more damage termites have caused to your home (floors, walls, deck, etc.), the more expensive it'll be to repair. You may also have to pay more to exterminate them. Signs of termites include damaged wood (especially mud tubes), droppings, bubbling paint, and discarded wings.

If you see these throughout your home, including in crawl spaces, attics, or basements, you might need a more expensive fumigation treatment. However, if the damage is limited to one area or just external components, less expensive treatments might be enough to kill the termite colony.

Size and style of your home.

The size and construction of a property play a crucial role in the cost of termite extermination. Larger structures may require more extensive treatment applications. The expansive surface area increases the likelihood of termites finding entry points, necessitating a more thorough and potentially costly treatment approach. 

The complexity of construction can also affect the accessibility and ease of treatment. Homes with intricate designs, multiple levels, or unconventional construction materials may pose challenges for pest control professionals. Ensuring that the treatment reaches all potential hiding spots and entry points becomes more labor-intensive in such cases, potentially driving up the overall cost.

Location.

The prevalence of termites varies significantly based on geographic location, with certain regions experiencing higher levels of termite activity than others. Termite treatment costs in these areas may be higher because of the increased demand for services.

For example, states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana are known for their warm and humid climates — which create ideal conditions for subterranean termites. On the other hand, Arizona and parts of California face challenges from both subterranean and drywood termites due to their arid climates. 

There are plenty of trade-offs between DIY and professional termite treatments. While DIY options may offer immediate cost savings, ineffective treatment could lead to greater expenses in the long run. Professional services, although initially pricier, provide expertise and efficiency — minimizing the chances of future infestations.

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding between trying DIY termite treatments and hiring a pro:

• Upfront cost savings. DIY treatments are more affordable as homeowners purchase over-the-counter products instead of professional services.
• Effectiveness. However, DIY treatments may not be as effective as professional-grade solutions, risking incomplete eradication and potential future infestations.
• Scheduling dependencies. Homeowners may need to coordinate with the professional's schedule, potentially causing delays.
• Flexibility: Homeowners have the flexibility to choose when and how to apply treatments if they go the DIY route.
• Time-consuming. Getting rid of termites on your own requires more time and effort.
• Expertise. Termite exterminators and pest control professionals bring specialized knowledge and experience, ensuring a more targeted and effective treatment.
• Guarantees and warranties. Many professional services offer guarantees or warranties, providing assurance and potential follow-up treatments if needed.

You can avoid a costly termite infestation by taking some preventative steps. For example, many companies can inspect your home for termites and apply a liquid termiticide treatment. This is a liquid that the exterminator applies to the soil surrounding your home, creating a barrier that termites can't cross.

But is it worth it to spend money on professional services for prevention?

Whether or not it's worth it to shell out money for termite prevention really depends on a few things. For example, consider:

• Your home's history with termites. Have termites invaded your home in the past? If so, there's a good chance it might happen again if you skip out on prevention treatments.
• Your climate and location. If you're in an area where termites practically have a vacation home, investing in prevention is like giving your home an insurance policy against these tiny invaders. If you live in an area where termites aren't the norm, the cost-benefit scale might tip the other way. In these cases, you could adopt a wait-and-see approach.
• You're making big changes to your home. It's an especially smart move to consider termite prevention during construction or renovations. You can use termite-resistant materials and treatments right from the start.
• You're selling your home. If you're putting your home on the market, make sure that it's termite-free.

Consider these points carefully before making your final decision.

Are you ready to tackle those termites but not sure where to start? Take the stress out of it by getting free cost estimates from local termite control companies.

Don't let termites get the upper hand — empower yourself with the right information and the right professionals. Download the Thumbtack app today, and take the first step toward a termite-free home.