Termite Treatment Options Explained

1. Liquid Termiticides (Soil Treatment)

How it works: Chemical barrier applied to soil around and under structure to kill termites on contact or repel them.

Application process:

• Trench dug around foundation perimeter
• Holes drilled through slabs or into walls (if needed)
• Liquid termiticide injected into soil
• Creates continuous treated zone
• Typical treatment: 100-200 gallons of diluted solution

Common active ingredients:

• Fipronil (Termidor): Non-repellent, transfer effect, highly effective
• Imidacloprid (Premise): Non-repellent, long-lasting
• Bifenthrin (Talstar): Repellent, fast-acting
• Chlorantraniliprole (Altriset): Low toxicity, non-repellent

Effectiveness: 90-100% when properly applied

Duration: 5-10 years (varies by product and soil conditions)

Cost: $1,200-3,500 for average home

Pros:

• Fast-acting (days to weeks)
• Long-lasting protection
• Proven track record
• Treats active infestations and prevents new ones

Cons:

• Invasive application (drilling, trenching)
• Chemical concerns for some homeowners
• Requires professional application
• May need retreatment if barrier is broken

Best for: Subterranean termites, active infestations, new construction pre-treatment

2. Termite Bait Systems

How it works: Stations placed around property contain monitoring devices or bait that termites consume and share with colony.

Application process:

• Stations installed every 10-20 feet around perimeter
• Initially contain monitoring devices (wood or cellulose)
• Regular inspections (quarterly typically)
• When termites found, bait added to stations
• Termites feed and share bait with colony

Common systems:

• Sentricon: Always Active technology, chitin synthesis inhibitor
• Advance: Diflubenzuron bait, monitoring + baiting
• Trelona: Compressed bait, no monitoring phase

Effectiveness: 70-95% (requires time and termite cooperation)

Duration: Ongoing (requires monitoring and maintenance)

Cost: $1,500-3,000 initial + $300-500/year monitoring

Pros:

• Minimal disruption to property
• Targets entire colony (including queen)
• Low chemical use
• Ongoing monitoring included
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Slower acting (months to eliminate colony)
• Requires termites to find stations
• Ongoing costs for monitoring
• Not ideal for severe active infestations

Best for: Prevention, light to moderate infestations, environmentally conscious homeowners, ongoing protection

3. Fumigation (Tenting)

How it works: Entire structure sealed with tent and filled with lethal gas that penetrates all wood.

Application process:

• Structure covered with gas-proof tarp
• Sulfuryl fluoride gas released inside
• Gas maintained for 24-72 hours
• Structure aerated and tested before re-entry
• Occupants must vacate during treatment

Effectiveness: 99-100% for drywood termites

Duration: Kills existing termites but provides no residual protection

Cost: $1,200-4,000 (typically $1-4 per square foot)

Pros:

• Eliminates all drywood termites in one treatment
• Reaches inaccessible areas
• No drilling or invasive work
• Fast (2-3 days total)

Cons:

• Must vacate home for 2-3 days
• No residual protection
• Expensive
• Requires extensive preparation (remove plants, food, medications)
• Not effective for subterranean termites

Best for: Drywood termites, widespread infestations, inaccessible areas, when other methods have failed

4. Heat Treatment

How it works: Targeted area or whole structure heated to 120-140°F for several hours to kill termites.

Application process:

• Heating equipment set up (propane heaters, fans)
• Temperature raised gradually
• Maintained at lethal temperature for 35+ minutes
• Monitored with sensors throughout structure
• Typically takes 6-8 hours total

Effectiveness: 90-97% when properly applied

Duration: No residual protection

Cost: $1,200-2,500 for localized; $2,000-4,000+ for whole structure

Pros:

• No chemicals or gases
• Same-day treatment (can return that evening)
• Kills all life stages
• Can be localized to specific areas

Cons:

• Risk of damage to heat-sensitive items
• No residual protection
• May not reach all areas evenly
• Not effective for subterranean termites with ground colonies
• Expensive

Best for: Drywood termites, localized infestations, chemical-free preference, items that can't be fumigated

For Subterranean Termites

Primary options:

• Active infestation: Liquid termiticide (fastest)
• Prevention/light activity: Bait systems
• Comprehensive: Liquid + bait combination

Not recommended: Fumigation (doesn't reach ground colonies)

For Drywood Termites

Primary options:

• Widespread infestation: Fumigation (most thorough)
• Localized infestation: Spot treatment or heat
• Chemical-free preference: Heat treatment
• Small accessible colony: Spot treatment

For Formosan Termites

Recommended: Aggressive liquid treatment + bait systems

Why: Large colonies require comprehensive approach

Note: Often requires professional monitoring and retreatment

1. Inspection & Diagnosis

• Professional identifies species and extent
• Recommends treatment approach
• Provides written estimate
• Explains process and timeline

Learn more: How Inspections Work

2. Preparation

• Clear access to foundation/treatment areas
• Remove stored items if needed
• Protect landscaping (if applicable)
• Arrange to be away (fumigation/heat)

3. Treatment Application

• Licensed technicians perform treatment
• Duration: 4-8 hours (liquid/bait) to 2-3 days (fumigation)
• Documentation provided
• Safety instructions given

4. Follow-Up & Monitoring

• Post-treatment inspection (30-90 days)
• Annual inspections (recommended)
• Warranty/guarantee period (varies)
• Retreatment if needed