Five treatment methods, each suited to different situations. Here is what they cost, how they work, and when each one makes sense.
| Method | Cost Range | Per-Unit Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Barrier | $500-$2,500 | $3-$20/lin ft |
| Bait Stations | $1,500-$3,500 | $8-$12/lin ft |
| Fumigation | $2,000-$8,000 | $1-$4/sq ft |
| Heat Treatment | $800-$2,500 | $1-$3/sq ft |
| Spot Treatment | $200-$800 | Flat rate |
$500-$2,500
$3-$20 per linear foot
A trench is dug around the foundation perimeter and termiticide is injected into the soil. The chemical creates a continuous barrier that termites cannot cross without dying. Some products (Termidor) are non-repellent, meaning termites walk through the treated soil unknowingly and transfer the chemical to nestmates.
Chemicals Used
Termidor (fipronil), Altriset (chlorantraniliprole), Premise (imidacloprid)
Best For
Subterranean termites. The most common and cost-effective whole-home treatment.
Duration of Protection
5-10 years depending on the chemical. Termidor typically lasts 8+ years. Premise lasts 5-7 years.
Pros
Cons
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $300-$1,200 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $450-$1,800 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $550-$2,200 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $650-$2,500 |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $800-$3,500 |
$1,500-$3,500
$8-$12 per linear foot (initial), $200-$400/year monitoring
Plastic stations are installed in the soil every 10 feet around the home's perimeter. Termites discover the stations during foraging and consume the bait, which contains an insect growth regulator. Foragers carry the bait back to the colony, where it prevents the colony from molting and eventually collapses the entire population.
Chemicals Used
Sentricon (noviflumuron), Trelona (novaluron), Advance (diflubenzuron)
Best For
Colony elimination with ongoing monitoring. Preferred for environmentally sensitive areas and properties where trenching is difficult.
Duration of Protection
Ongoing. Stations require quarterly monitoring and bait replenishment. Colony elimination takes 3-6 months.
Pros
Cons
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,200-$2,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $1,500-$3,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,800-$3,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $2,000-$4,000 |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $2,500-$5,000 |
$2,000-$8,000
$1-$4 per square foot
The entire home is covered with a gas-tight tarp. A lethal concentration of sulfuryl fluoride gas is pumped inside. The gas penetrates all wood, walls, and cavities, killing every termite in the structure. After 24-72 hours, the house is aerated and tested for safe gas levels before re-entry.
Chemicals Used
Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride), Zythor (sulfuryl fluoride)
Best For
Drywood termites with widespread infestation. When spot treatment is not sufficient because termites are in multiple locations throughout the structure.
Duration of Protection
Process takes 2-3 days. Provides zero residual protection. Termites can re-infest the home immediately after fumigation.
Pros
Cons
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500-$3,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,000-$4,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $2,500-$6,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $3,000-$7,000 |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $4,000-$8,000+ |
$800-$2,500
$1-$3 per square foot
Industrial heaters raise the temperature of the infested area to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain it for 4-6 hours. Termites die when their body temperature reaches 120F. Heat penetrates walls and wood to kill termites in concealed areas.
Chemicals Used
None (chemical-free)
Best For
Chemical-free treatment preference. Localized drywood termite infestations. Works well for individual rooms or sections.
Duration of Protection
Process takes 4-8 hours. Provides zero residual protection.
Pros
Cons
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Single room | $800-$1,200 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,000-$1,800 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $1,200-$2,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Whole home | $2,000-$4,000 |
$200-$800
Flat rate per treatment area
Treatment is applied directly to the infested area using injection, foam application, borate wood treatment, or microwave devices. Termidor Foam expands to fill galleries and voids. Bora-Care penetrates wood and makes it toxic to termites. Electro-guns use microwave energy to heat and kill termites in localized areas.
Chemicals Used
Termidor Foam, Bora-Care (borate), electro-gun (microwave)
Best For
Small, confirmed infestations in accessible areas. Pre-purchase treatment for minor findings. Supplementing whole-home treatment.
Duration of Protection
Borate treatments last the life of the wood. Foam treatments last 5-10 years. Electro-gun has no residual.
Pros
Cons
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Single area | $200-$400 |
| Multiple spots | $400-$600 |
| Several rooms | $500-$800 |
You have subterranean termites (mud tubes, soil contact)
Start with a liquid barrier treatment. It is the most proven and cost-effective option. Add bait stations if you want colony elimination and ongoing monitoring.
You have drywood termites (frass pellets, no soil contact)
If the infestation is localized to one or two areas, spot treatment or heat treatment may be sufficient. If termites are in multiple locations or you cannot confirm the full extent, fumigation is the reliable option.
You want chemical-free treatment
Heat treatment is the only fully chemical-free option. It works for drywood termites in accessible areas. For subterranean termites, there is no chemical-free whole-home option.
You have a small, accessible infestation
Spot treatment is the cheapest and least disruptive option. But make sure a professional has inspected the entire home to confirm the infestation is truly localized.
Budget is your primary concern
Liquid barrier offers the best value for whole-home protection. Spot treatment is cheapest for minor issues. Avoid cutting corners on active infestations; a failed DIY attempt costs far more than professional treatment from the start.