Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include:

• Discarded wings near windows or doors (especially after rain)
• Mud tubes on foundation walls or crawl spaces
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Frass (termite pellets) below kick-out holes
• Bubbling or rippled paint
• Sagging floors or ceilings

However, only a professional inspection can confirm an infestation. Learn more: Early Warning Signs

Termites: Straight antennae, equal-length wings, thick waist, light color

Flying ants: Bent antennae, unequal wings, pinched waist, dark color

Detailed comparison: Termites vs Ants

Termites don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans. They're not directly dangerous. However, they cause significant structural damage that can create safety hazards (weakened floors, collapsing structures). Some people may have allergic reactions to termite frass or shed wings.

Typical colony consumes 1-2 pounds of wood per week. Significant structural damage usually takes 3-8 years. However, large colonies (especially Formosan termites) or multiple colonies can cause damage faster. Slow progression is why regular inspections are important.

No. Subterranean termites retreat deeper into soil below frost line where temperature remains stable. Inside heated structures, they remain active year-round. Drywood termites are unaffected by cold since they live entirely within wood. Activity may slow but colonies survive winter.

$75-150 for standard inspection. Some companies offer free inspections if you use their treatment services. Real estate inspections may cost more ($150-300) due to detailed reporting requirements. Learn more: How Inspections Work

1-2 hours for average home. Larger properties or those with extensive crawl spaces/attics may take longer. Thorough inspection includes interior, exterior, crawl space, attic, and all accessible areas.

Annually at minimum. More frequently if:

• Previous termite history
• High-risk area (warm, humid climate)
• Conducive conditions present
• Maintaining treatment warranty
• Older home with wood-to-soil contact

Inspectors check for:

• Live termites or recent activity
• Mud tubes and shelter tubes
• Wood damage and galleries
• Frass and kick-out holes
• Discarded wings
• Conducive conditions (moisture, wood-to-soil contact)
• Previous treatment evidence

Learn more: Understanding Inspection Reports

Liquid treatment: $1,500-3,500 (average home)

Bait systems: $1,200-2,500 installation + $300-500/year monitoring

Localized drywood treatment: $1,200-2,500

Whole-house fumigation: $2,000-8,000+

Costs vary by property size, infestation extent, treatment method, and location.

Depends on termite species and infestation extent:

Subterranean termites: Liquid treatment or bait systems (or combination)

Drywood termites (localized): Spot treatment or heat treatment

Drywood termites (widespread): Fumigation

Professional assessment determines best approach. Learn more: Treatment Types

Liquid treatment: 4-8 hours

Bait system installation: 2-4 hours

Fumigation: 2-3 days (including prep and aeration)

Spot treatment: 1-3 hours

Liquid treatment: Usually no, but avoid treated areas for 4-6 hours

Bait systems: No evacuation needed

Fumigation: Yes, 2-3 days evacuation required

Spot treatment: Usually no, but follow technician instructions

Liquid treatments: 5-10 years typically. Bait systems: Ongoing with monitoring. Warranties usually cover 1-5 years with annual renewal. Treatment longevity depends on method, product, soil conditions, and maintenance.

DIY treatment has 20-40% success rate vs 90%+ for professionals. Consumer products are less effective, application is often incomplete, and homeowners lack training to identify all affected areas. Professional treatment is almost always more cost-effective for active infestations. Learn more: DIY vs Professional

No. Standard homeowners insurance excludes termite damage as it's considered preventable through regular maintenance and inspection. You're responsible for treatment and repair costs. Some policies cover damage from sudden collapse, but not gradual termite damage.

Minor cosmetic repairs: $500-2,000

Moderate structural repairs: $2,000-10,000

Extensive structural repairs: $10,000-50,000+

Costs depend on damage extent, affected areas, and local labor rates. Early detection minimizes repair costs.

Yes, usually. Warranties provide:

• Retreatment if termites return
• Annual inspections
• Peace of mind
• Transferability to new owners (often)
• Some include damage repair coverage

Annual cost ($200-500) is much less than retreatment ($1,500-3,500+).

Key prevention strategies:

• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact
• Fix moisture problems (leaks, drainage)
• Remove wood debris near foundation
• Keep mulch 6 inches from foundation
• Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces
• Seal cracks in foundation
• Regular inspections

Detailed guide: Year-Round Prevention

Mulch provides moisture and food termites like, but doesn't attract them from distance. Termites already in area may forage in mulch. Keep mulch 6 inches from foundation, use inorganic alternatives near house, or choose cedar/cypress which termites avoid. Proper mulch use is safe.

No. New homes are just as vulnerable as old ones. Termites can infest during construction or shortly after. Pre-treatment during construction helps but isn't permanent protection. New homes still need regular inspections.

No. Termites can pass through cracks as small as 1/32 inch. Concrete develops cracks from settling and temperature changes. Termites also enter through expansion joints, utility penetrations, and gaps where concrete meets wood. Concrete reduces risk but doesn't eliminate it.

Nationwide: Subterranean termites (most common)

Southern/coastal states: Drywood and Formosan termites

Pacific Northwest: Dampwood termites

Local pest control companies can identify specific species in your region. Learn more: Species Guide

Subterranean: Live in soil, require moisture, build mud tubes, most common and destructive

Drywood: Live entirely in wood, no soil contact needed, produce pellet frass, harder to detect

Treatment methods differ significantly. Detailed comparison: Termites by Species

Yes. Formosan termites are more aggressive with:

• Larger colonies (millions vs thousands)
• Faster damage (consume more wood)
• Harder to eliminate
• Build aerial nests (not just soil)
• More expensive to treat

Found primarily in southern coastal states.

Highly recommended. Many lenders require it for FHA/VA loans. Even if not required, inspection ($75-150) is cheap insurance against expensive problems ($3,000-30,000+ for treatment and repairs). Always get independent inspection, not seller's report only.

Options include:

• Seller pays for treatment before closing
• Price reduction to cover treatment
• Buyer handles treatment after closing
• Walk away from deal (if damage extensive)

Get detailed estimate before negotiating. Learn more: Termites and Property Value

Impact varies:

Active infestation: Can reduce value 10-20%+

Properly treated with documentation: Minimal to no impact

Undisclosed damage: Legal liability for seller

Full disclosure and good documentation minimize impact. Detailed guide: Resale Impact