Termite Treatment Cost Guide: Liquid, Bait, and Fumigation
What each treatment method costs, how they actually work, and why the cheapest option usually isn't.
Termite treatment averages $1,500–$3,500 nationally for liquid soil treatment on a typical home. Bait systems, tent fumigation (for drywood termites in the South and West), and spot treatments all have very different cost and effectiveness profiles.
Liquid vs. bait systems
Liquid termiticide (typically Termidor or Premise) creates a chemical barrier in the soil around the foundation. Kills termites on contact and lasts 8–12 years. Best for active infestations.
Bait stations (Sentricon, Advance) are placed around the perimeter and check periodically. Termites carry the bait back to the colony. Slower to act but more environmentally friendly and effective for prevention. Annual monitoring fees of $250–$450 are common.
Drywood termites and fumigation
Drywood termites live inside the wood itself, not in the soil, and require very different treatment. Whole-house tent fumigation (Vikane gas) is the only treatment that reaches them throughout the structure. Cost: $3,500–$8,500 depending on home size. Common in California, Florida, Hawaii, and the Gulf Coast.
What to expect from a real inspection
A legitimate termite inspection takes 60–90 minutes and includes the crawlspace, basement, attic, and exterior perimeter. The inspector should produce a diagram with damage and conducive conditions marked. 'Drive-by' inspections that take 15 minutes are nearly worthless.