A termite treatment costs $330 to $820 on average for a basic exterior treatment. Prices increase to $3,000 or more for large infestations that require fumigation. A termite inspection costs $75 to $150.

Terminix charges $400 to $1,500 per year for termite treatment, which includes an annual inspection and treatment as needed. Orkin charges $500 to $1,600 to remove termites over several visits. 

Termite treatment is worth it for:

• Effectively removing termite infestations before they damage your home's foundation or structure.
• Obtaining an official termite clearance letter to finalize a real-estate transaction
• Qualifying a home for a loan when refinancing
• Filing damages with the landlord

Note: Termites only come back after treatment if their original entrance points to the home haven't been thoroughly sealed or protected against new colony growth.

Signs of termites in your home include:

• Lots of small holes and tunnels in wooden objects
• Tiny wings in small piles around damaged wood
• Drywall pinholes
• Sawdust-like debris that collects near wood with holes
• Hollow-sounding areas in walls or wooden furniture

Termite treatments work in different ways depending on the method:

• Bait stations in the ground around the home perimeter stop subterranean termite colonies.
• Wood treatments like surface sprays, chemical injections, and foams target termites living inside wooden furniture, walls, and other wood structures.
• Soil treatments include digging a trench around the home and filling it with various insecticides.
• Fumigation kills termites on a large scale for large home-interior infestations.

A professional termite treatment lasts 5 to 7 years. Termite bait stations only last 1 year. If all the original causes of termites have been resolved and the home is well sealed and insulated, then termites shouldn't return.

Most termite treatments take 30 to 45 minutes for one room or area on the property. Bigger infestations take 1 to 3 days to treat, depending on the termite colony's size. The termites typically die within 5 days after the treatment.

Homeowners and rental insurance typically don't cover termite treatments. These companies consider property maintenance to prevent termites as the owner's responsibility.

Most termite treatments aren't safe for pets, especially fumigation, bait stations, chemical sprays, and liquid insecticides. Ask your exterminator how long pets must stay out of areas treated for termites to keep them safe.

Browse through HomeGuide listings to find an exterminator or pest-control specialist near you.

Before hiring a termite treatment company:

• Compare at least 3 in-person estimates.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose licensed and insured businesses with at least 5 years of experience.
• Get copies of an itemized bid and contract before the inspection begins.
• Avoid choosing the lowest quote that typically indicates low-quality standards.
• Never give the final payment until after they complete the job.

• How long have you been inspecting homes for termites?
• Do you have all the state-required certifications to apply insecticides?
• Can I see your list of references?
• What can I do to stop termites from spreading?
• How should I prepare my home for the termite treatment?
• Which treatment methods do you recommend and why?
• Will I need additional home repairs to prevent termites from coming back?
• Have the termites spread into my walls?
• What other costs should I expect?
• How long will this job take?
• Will I need to leave my home during the treatment?