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Home & Garden Home Services & Moving Cost guide

Termite Control Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Updated  3 sources

Typical treatment cost

$700 – $2,000

Termite control covers killing an active colony and, in many cases, protecting the house against the next one. The method matters as much as the house. A spot treatment on one section of wall is a small job, while a whole-structure fumigation or a baiting program around the full perimeter is a much larger one.

The prices below come from published guides and company pages, and they were checked on Oct 13, 2026. One company's price list is not a national average, so each row names its source. If you suspect termites, a licensed pest control company can inspect the property and give a written quote.

Termite treatment cost by method

Item Typical range Relative price range
Spot treatment $350 – $1,000
Pesticide spray $150 – $1,500
Heat extermination $1,300 – $2,500
Termite bait systems (This Old House) $400 – $3,000
Fumigation (This Old House) $1,500 – $5,000
Baiting (Orkin) $1,000 – $2,300
Liquid perimeter treatment (Orkin) $1,700 – $2,700
Whole-home fumigation (HomeLight) $1,200 – $2,500

Sources: Orkin: Pest control cost; This Old House: Termite treatment cost (pest-control); HomeLight: Termite inspection cost

Termite treatment cost by method

This Old House lists a spot treatment at $350 – $1,000, a pesticide spray at $150 – $1,500, heat treatment at $1,300 – $2,500, bait systems at $400 – $3,000, and fumigation at $1,500 – $5,000. A liquid barrier and bait are the two usual routes for subterranean termites, which nest in the soil. Fumigation and heat treat the whole structure and are more common with drywood termites that live inside the wood.

The table also shows figures from two other sources. Orkin, a pest control company, lists baiting at $1,000 – $2,300 and liquid perimeter treatment at $1,700 – $2,700 on its own price page. HomeLight reports whole-home fumigation at $1,200 – $2,500. Company price pages reflect that company's own services and may not match what other providers charge in your area.

Why estimates vary

Sources disagree because the jobs differ. A spot treatment and a full-structure fumigation sit at opposite ends of the same search term.

Estimates by source

Item Typical range Relative price range
This Old House $700 – $2,000
Orkin $250 – $5,000

Sources: Orkin: Pest control cost; This Old House: Termite treatment cost (pest-control)

This Old House reports $700 – $2,000 for typical termite treatment. Orkin describes a much wider span, $250 – $5,000, from a spot treatment to a whole-home solution, and its upper figure is "or more." The first figure describes a typical job and the second spans the full range of methods. Read the label before comparing numbers.

Termite treatment cost by type of termite

Different termites live and feed in different places, so the treatment changes.

Termite treatment cost by termite type

Item Typical range Relative price range
Drywood termites $225 – $900
Formosan termites $250 – $1,500
Subterranean termites $225 – $900
Dampwood termites $250 – $2,500

Source: This Old House: Termite treatment cost (pest-control)

This Old House lists drywood termites at $225 – $900, Formosan termites at $250 – $1,500, subterranean termites at $225 – $900, and dampwood termites at $250 – $2,500. Formosan colonies can be large and aggressive, and dampwood termites need damp wood, so the treatment plan may include fixing the moisture source as well. A pest control company can identify the species before quoting a method.

Termite inspection, linear-foot pricing, and damage repair

Perimeter treatments are often priced by the linear foot around the house. Inspections and damage repair are separate line items.

Termite treatment extras

Item Typical range Price
Treatment cost per linear foot of home $5 – $20/linear ft—
Termite inspection $75 – $325—
Termite damage repair (typical) —$2,000

Source: This Old House: Termite treatment cost (pest-control)

This Old House reports treatment priced at $5 – $20/linear ft, which scales with the length of the foundation. A termite inspection runs $75 – $325, and some companies offer a free inspection. Repair of damaged wood is a separate cost. This Old House notes that many homeowners spend around $2,000 on repairs, though the real figure depends on how much wood was damaged.

What affects termite control cost

  • Termite species. Subterranean, drywood, dampwood, and Formosan termites call for different treatments.
  • Extent of the infestation. A small, early colony costs less to treat than a widespread one.
  • Treatment method. Spot treatments, liquid barriers, baits, heat, and fumigation are priced differently.
  • Home size and perimeter. Larger homes and longer foundations cost more to treat.
  • Access. Slabs, patios, and landscaping may need drilling or digging for treatment.
  • Warranty and monitoring. Some companies sell a service plan or bond that adds to the price.
  • Local pricing. Rates vary by region and company.
  • Follow-up visits. Severe infestations may need more than one treatment.

Liquid barrier vs. bait vs. fumigation

Liquid barrier. A treated zone in the soil around the foundation stops subterranean termites from reaching the house. It is applied by a licensed pest control professional, often with trenching or drilling.

Bait. Stations around the property draw termites in so they carry the active ingredient back to the colony. Baiting works slowly and needs periodic checks.

Heat. The structure or room is heated to a temperature that kills termites in the wood. It targets localized areas.

Fumigation. The whole house is tented and treated with gas, and occupants and pets must leave. It is used for large drywood infestations. The pest control company will give you preparation and re-entry instructions.

Product choices and application are regulated, and chemical applications require licensed applicators in most states. Talk to a licensed company about which method fits your termite species and house.

How to get a termite quote

  1. Get an inspection from a licensed pest control company, or get inspections from two or three.
  2. Ask for the termite species identification and a written scope of work.
  3. Compare methods and what each includes: inspection, treatment, retreatment, and warranty.
  4. Ask whether damage repair is included. Usually it is not.
  5. Check licensing and insurance with your state's regulating agency.
  6. Be cautious about any company that pushes you to sign the same day.

Frequently asked questions

How much does termite control cost?

This Old House reports $700 – $2,000 for typical treatment. Orkin lists $250 – $5,000 for pest control from spot treatment to whole-home work. The right number for your house depends on the method and the infestation.

How much does termite fumigation cost?

Published figures range from $1,200 – $2,500 at HomeLight to $1,500 – $5,000 at This Old House. Fumigation is typically reserved for large drywood infestations.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

This Old House lists inspections at $75 – $325. Some companies include a free inspection.

Are termite baits cheaper than fumigation?

Sources place baiting and fumigation in overlapping ranges, so it depends on the house. Bait systems run $400 – $3,000 at This Old House and $1,000 – $2,300 at Orkin, while fumigation runs $1,500 – $5,000 at This Old House.

Does the price include repairing termite damage?

Usually not. Treatment kills the termites. Rebuilding damaged wood is a separate job and cost.

Can I treat termites myself?

Professional treatment is the norm for an active infestation, because the chemicals, equipment, and species identification matter. Contact a licensed pest control company, and check your state's rules on who may apply termiticides.