Termite treatment: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What termite treatment is

Termite treatment follows an inspection that finds termite activity. A licensed operator uses liquid soil treatments, bait systems or wood treatments, then sets a plan for monitoring afterward. People call when they see mud tubes, swarmers or damaged wood, or when a termite inspection finds activity in or around the home.

Signs you need it

  • Pencil-width mud tubes run along the foundation, crawl space walls, or the edges of the slab
  • Winged swarmers appear near windows, lights or in the house, or you find their discarded wings on sills
  • Wood sounds hollow when tapped, or it crumbles, blisters or has a layer of paint bubbling over it
  • Doors and windows stick for no clear reason, or floors feel soft in places near the foundation
  • A termite inspection found activity, and you need a treatment plan and a monitoring program

What the pro does

  • The operator inspects the foundation, crawl space, slab edges, wood framing and the moisture around the structure
  • The species is confirmed, along with the areas that show live activity or damage
  • A treatment is chosen, such as a liquid soil barrier, a bait station system or a wood treatment, based on the findings and the layout
  • Products are applied according to the label, with trenching or drilling only where the plan requires it
  • Monitoring stations or inspection points are set, with a schedule for return visits and a written report of what was found

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size and layout of the home, including the foundation length and the number of corners
  • Type of foundation, such as slab, crawl space or basement, which changes access and method
  • Extent of activity and damage, which can add repair work or extra monitoring
  • Treatment method chosen, such as soil treatment, bait system or wood treatment
  • Landscaping, hardscape, decks or patios that block access to the foundation
  • Whether the job includes repair of damaged wood or the moisture problem that attracted the termites
  • Length and terms of the monitoring program that follows

What a written quote should spell out

  • The inspection findings, with the areas of activity and damage recorded
  • The treatment method, the products used by name and the areas each one covers
  • The trenching, drilling or station placement planned, with the locations marked
  • The monitoring schedule and the terms of any warranty
  • What must be cleared or moved before treatment, such as stored items or plants
  • Repairs that are recommended but not included in the treatment, listed separately

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Who did the inspection, and are they licensed for termite work where I live?
  • Which termite species is it, and how do you know?
  • What treatment do you recommend, and why that one for my home?
  • What is the monitoring plan, and how long does it last?
  • What does the warranty cover, and what would void it?
  • Will you treat the soil inside the foundation, and do you drill into the slab?
  • What repairs do you see that the treatment will not fix?

Red flags

  • They tell you the house must be treated immediately with a long plan before showing you the evidence
  • They do not show you where the termites are or what damage they found
  • They recommend tenting or fumigation without a clear reason for that method
  • They will not put the warranty terms in writing
  • They skip the moisture check and say the treatment alone will solve the problem

What you can do yourself

A homeowner should not treat for termites; do not apply termiticides yourself, and do not drill into the slab or trench around the foundation without a licensed operator. Fix obvious moisture sources, such as clogged gutters and soil that touches the wood, and keep firewood and mulch away from the foundation. Call a licensed operator for any suspected termite activity, and follow their monitoring instructions.

Licenses and permits

Termite treatment is commonly licensed in many areas, and the operator may need a separate license or certification for wood-destroying organism work. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire, and ask to see the license that covers the treatment.

Termite treatment questions

How do I know if I have termites or ants?

Termites have a straight waist and wings of equal length, and they leave mud tubes. Ants have a pinched waist and bent antennae. A licensed operator can confirm the species, so have one inspect any insect you cannot identify.

Will termite treatment damage my landscaping?

Some soil treatments can affect plants near the foundation. Ask the operator which products they will use, how close they will apply them to plants and lawn, and what precautions you should take.

Do I need a full tent for termites?

Tenting is one method, and it is not needed for every case. Ask the operator why they recommend the method they do, what it treats, and what other options were considered for your home.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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