Termite Treatment Cost Drivers

What affects termite treatment pricing—from property factors to treatment complexity and regional variations.

TL;DR: Treatment costs range $1,200-8,000+ depending on property size, infestation severity, treatment type, accessibility, and regional labor rates. Get multiple quotes for comparison. — Compare treatment types, then DIY vs professional. Prefer to talk? (833) 404-3632.

Property size is the primary cost driver.
Treatment method significantly affects pricing.
Regional variations can be substantial (30-50% difference).

Get multiple quotes: Prices vary significantly between companies. Obtain 2-3 estimates before deciding.

Termite treatment costs depend on multiple factors. Understanding these drivers helps you budget appropriately and compare quotes effectively.

Primary Cost Factors

1. Property Size

Impact: Largest single cost factor

Small home (1,000-1,500 sq ft): $1,200-2,000
Average home (2,000-3,000 sq ft): $1,500-3,000
Large home (4,000+ sq ft): $2,500-5,000+

Larger properties require more material and labor time. Treatment is typically quoted per linear foot of foundation or per square foot of structure.

2. Treatment Type

Impact: Significant variation in cost

Liquid barrier: $1,200-3,500
Bait systems: $1,500-3,000 initial + $300-500/year monitoring
Fumigation: $2,000-8,000+ ($1-4 per square foot)
Heat treatment: $1,200-4,000+
Spot treatment: $200-800 per location

3. Infestation Severity

Impact: Affects treatment scope and materials needed

Light infestation: Single treatment, lower cost
Moderate infestation: Multiple treatment areas, standard pricing
Severe infestation: Extensive treatment, possible combination methods, higher cost
Multiple species: May require different treatment approaches, increased complexity

4. Property Accessibility

Impact: Affects labor time and difficulty

Easy access (crawl space, open foundation): Standard pricing
Limited access (tight crawl space, slab foundation): 10-20% premium
Difficult access (multi-story, complex structure): 20-40% premium
Obstacles (landscaping, decks, storage): Additional labor charges

5. Termite Species

Impact: Different species require different approaches

Subterranean termites: Liquid barrier or bait (standard cost)
Drywood termites: Fumigation or heat (typically more expensive)
Formosan termites: Aggressive species, often requires combination treatment (higher cost)

Secondary Cost Factors

Foundation Type

Crawl space: Easier access, standard pricing
Basement: Standard pricing
Slab-on-grade: Requires drilling through concrete, 10-30% premium
Pier and beam: Easier access, may be lower cost

Structural Complexity

Multi-story homes: Additional labor
Complex foundation layout: More treatment area
Multiple structures (garage, shed): Additional charges
Additions or renovations: May complicate treatment

Warranty & Monitoring

No warranty: Lower initial cost
1-year warranty: Included in standard pricing
5-year warranty: 10-20% premium
Ongoing monitoring (bait systems): $300-500 annually

Regional Cost Variations

Geographic Factors

Labor costs vary significantly by region:

High-cost regions (California, Northeast): 30-50% premium
Average-cost regions (Midwest, Mid-Atlantic): Standard pricing
Lower-cost regions (South, rural areas): 10-30% discount

Termite pressure varies by region:

High-pressure regions (Gulf Coast, Southeast): More aggressive treatment, higher cost
Moderate-pressure regions: Standard treatment
Low-pressure regions: May have fewer specialists, limited options

Local Market Competition

Areas with many pest control companies: More competitive pricing
Rural areas with few options: Limited pricing competition
Seasonal demand: Higher prices during peak season (spring)

Cost Breakdown Example

Typical Liquid Barrier Treatment (2,500 sq ft home)

Estimated cost: $2,000-2,800

Inspection: $0-300 (often waived if treatment purchased)
Materials (termiticide, application supplies): $400-600
Labor (8-12 hours): $1,200-1,800
Warranty/documentation: Included
Annual inspection (year 1): Often included

Hidden Costs to Consider

Additional Expenses

Inspection fee: $100-300 (may be waived with treatment)
Annual monitoring: $150-300 (bait systems)
Retreatment: Usually covered by warranty, but verify
Damage repair: Not typically covered by treatment warranty
Structural repairs: Separate from pest control (can be $1,000s)

Cost Comparison: Treatment Types

Initial cost vs. long-term value:

Liquid barrier: $1,500-3,500 upfront, 5-10 year protection
Bait system: $1,500-3,000 + $300-500/year ongoing
Fumigation: $2,000-8,000 upfront, no residual protection
Heat treatment: $1,200-4,000 upfront, no residual protection

Getting Accurate Quotes

What to Provide When Getting Quotes

Property square footage
Foundation type (crawl space, slab, basement)
Approximate linear feet of foundation
Termite species (if known)
Infestation locations
Desired warranty period

Questions to Ask When Comparing Quotes

What is included in the quoted price?
What warranty/guarantee is provided?
Are annual inspections included?
What happens if termites return?
Are there additional fees for difficult access?
What is the timeline for treatment?