Termite Treatment Cost: Liquid Barriers to Fumigation
Termite treatment costs $225 to $2,500 for chemical or bait methods and $2,000 to $8,000 for whole-home tenting (HomeGuide). Smaller localized jobs average $598 (Bob Vila).
What termite treatment costs
Termite treatment cost depends on the method and how far the colony has spread. HomeGuide reports $225 to $2,500 per treatment for chemical or bait methods and $2,000 to $8,000 for whole-home tenting. Bob Vila, citing Angi and HomeAdvisor, gives a lower typical range of $229 to $967 with a national average of $598, which reflects smaller localized jobs. Most homeowners with an active infestation should budget somewhere between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.
Severity, the type of termite, the size of the structure and the number of treatments needed drive the final price.
Cost by treatment method
| Method | Typical cost (HomeGuide) | Whole-home estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Bait stations | $7 – $12 per linear foot | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Chemical soil treatment | $3 – $20 per linear foot | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Tented gas fumigation | $1 – $4 per sq ft | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Tented heat treatment | $1 – $3 per sq ft | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Micro treatments | $6 – $8 per sq ft | Small areas only |
Chemical soil treatment is the most common method. Liquid termiticide goes into the soil around the perimeter, and Bob Vila says it is usually applied once unless activity continues. Bait systems cost similar per foot but need repeat visits to refill stations, and HomeGuide adds $200 to $400 per year to monitor for re-infestation. Tenting seals the house and pumps in gas or heat to kill the entire colony. HomeGuide says heat treatments raise the tent to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 60 minutes.
Cost by type of termite
| Termite type | HomeGuide | Bob Vila |
|---|---|---|
| Subterranean | $250 – $2,000 | Usually baits, sometimes chemicals |
| Drywood | $225 – $2,500+ | $1,000 – $6,500 |
| Dampwood | $225 – $2,500+ | $100 – $500 |
| Formosan | $800 – $5,000+ | Most aggressive species |
Subterranean termites live in soil colonies, build mud tubes and are the most common type in the country. Drywood termites live inside dry wood and are common in warmer climates. Dampwood termites favor decaying wood and are most often found in western coastal states. Formosan termites are an aggressive subterranean species in the South, and Bob Vila quotes an expert saying a colony can hold seven million termites and do far more damage in less time.
Costs after the treatment
- Inspection: Bob Vila says an inspection usually falls between $50 and $280, and many pros do it free as part of a quote. HomeGuide lists $75 to $150.
- Ongoing protection plans: Bob Vila lists annual plans at $200 to $400, quarterly at $240 to $560 and monthly at $660 to $900. HomeGuide says an annual program costs $200 to $900 per year.
- Brand contracts: HomeGuide puts Terminix at $400 to $1,500 per year and Orkin at $500 to $1,600 per year.
- Repairs: termite damage is billed separately. Our drywall repair cost guide covers common interior fixes once the colony is gone.
Cost by city
| City | Average cost (Bob Vila) |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $479 |
| Boston | $504 |
| Chicago | $152 |
| Lincoln | $372 |
| Salt Lake City | $320 |
| Seattle | $217 |
| Tucson | $603 |
Bob Vila notes that labor and local termite pressure change the price. Whole-home treatments can run as high as $2,500 in a typical case, and more if the house has many floors.
What affects the price
- Home size: larger homes take longer to inspect and treat.
- Foundation: HomeGuide says slab foundations need less work than homes with basements or crawl spaces that attract subterranean termites.
- Severity: an early infestation can be handled with a spot treatment, while a large colony may need tenting.
- Number of treatments: liquid treatments are usually one-time, but baits need follow-up visits.
Prevention
An annual termite treatment program is the cheapest way to avoid a costly infestation, according to HomeGuide. For dampwood termites, Bob Vila says to remove standing water inside and outside the home. Keep firewood, stumps and mulch away from the foundation, and fix leaks quickly.
Is your quote reasonable?
For a localized subterranean or dampwood problem, a quote between $300 and $1,500 is in line with the sources. A bait system for a whole house at $1,000 to $2,500 is normal. Tenting at $2,000 to $8,000 should come with a clear explanation of why spot treatment will not work. A quote above $8,000 needs a written inspection report.
Ask each company which termite species it found, the method and chemicals used, how many visits are included, the length of the retreatment guarantee and whether damage repair is covered. Get at least two inspections, and be cautious of pressure to sign the same day.
Last updated: October 2026