Prevention costs a fraction of treatment. A $200/year monitoring program can save $3,000-$35,000 in treatment and repair costs. Here is what works, what it costs, and what to prioritise.
| Strategy | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood-to-soil clearance (6+ inches) | Free |
| Remove wood debris from yard | Free |
| Fix drainage and gutters | $0-$500 |
| Crawlspace vapor barrier | $500-$2,000 |
| Borate wood treatment (exposed wood) | $1-$3/sq ft |
| DIY bait monitoring stations | $100-$300 |
| Professional monitoring contract | $200-$400/year |
| Annual professional inspection | $75-$200 |
| Perimeter liquid barrier (preventive) | $500-$1,500 |
| Pre-construction soil treatment | $500-$1,500 |
These cost little or nothing and reduce termite risk significantly. They are the first things to address.
This is the single most important physical barrier. Inspect your foundation and ensure no wood (siding, framing, fence posts, deck supports) touches the soil. Termites need soil contact to survive. Where wood-to-soil contact exists, it is an open invitation.
Firewood stacks, tree stumps, construction lumber, old fence sections, and fallen branches near the house all attract termites. Move firewood at least 20 feet from the foundation and elevate it off the ground.
Termites need moisture. Ensure gutters direct water away from the foundation. Grade soil so water flows away from the house. Fix any standing water near the foundation. A dry perimeter is less attractive to termites.
If you have a crawlspace, a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the soil reduces moisture that attracts termites and dampwood rot. Ensure adequate ventilation (1 sq ft of vent per 150 sq ft of crawlspace).
Fill cracks in concrete foundations, gaps around pipes, and openings where utility lines enter. While termites can find tiny entry points, reducing obvious access points helps.
$500-$1,500 during construction
Applied before the slab is poured or the foundation is backfilled. Termiticide is spread across the entire sub-slab area and along the foundation footings. This is by far the most effective prevention, as it creates a complete chemical barrier before the home is even built. Retrofit after construction costs $2,000+ and cannot achieve the same coverage.
$1-$3 per square foot
Bora-Care or similar borate solutions are sprayed or brushed onto exposed wood in crawlspaces, attics, and wall cavities (during construction or renovation). Borates penetrate the wood and make it toxic to termites for the life of the wood. Highly effective and safe for humans and pets once dry.
$500-$1,500
Same as treatment for an active infestation, but applied preventively. Creates a chemical barrier around the foundation that lasts 5-10 years. Recommended in high-risk areas even without current termite activity.
$100-$300
Spectracide Terminate or similar products. Place around perimeter and check monthly. Good for detecting activity but limited colony control. Best as a supplement, not a standalone strategy.
$200-$400/year
Sentricon or Trelona stations installed and monitored quarterly by a licensed technician. Detects and treats new colonies before damage occurs. The most reliable ongoing prevention strategy.
$75-$200
A trained inspector checks the entire home for signs of termite activity. Catches problems when treatment is cheap ($500) instead of when damage is expensive ($10,000+). The best single investment in termite prevention.
If you are building a new home in a termite-prone area, pre-construction treatment is the most cost-effective protection available. Many states in the Southeast and Southwest require it by building code.
| Timing | Cost |
|---|---|
| During construction | $300-$1,500 |
| Retrofit after construction | $2,000-$4,000+ |
States requiring pre-construction treatment: Many counties in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Hawaii require termite pre-treatment by building code. Check with your local building department.
Annual Prevention Cost
$200-$400
Inspection + monitoring
Treatment Cost (if needed)
$500-$3,000
Caught early
Treatment + Repair (if late)
$5,000-$40,000
Years undetected
10 years of annual inspections costs $750-$2,000. One late-detected infestation costs $5,000-$40,000. The math is clear.