Termite Control FAQ

Termites and warning signs

What are termites?

Termites are small, colony-forming insects that feed on cellulose — the wood your house is framed with. US homes deal mainly with subterranean termites (live in soil, attack from below), drywood termites (live inside the wood itself) and, along the Gulf Coast and in Hawaii, aggressive Formosan termites. Background: what are termites and types of termites.

What are the first signs of termites?

Mud tubes on foundation walls, discarded wings near windowsills after a swarm, small piles of pellet-like droppings (frass), wood that sounds hollow when tapped and tight-fitting doors or windows. Termite damage is often hidden — an inspection is the only way to confirm. More: signs of termites.

How do I tell swarming termites from flying ants?

Three quick checks: termites have straight antennae, a broad waist and two pairs of equal-length wings; flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist and longer front wings. If the insects appeared indoors in numbers, treat it as termites until an inspection says otherwise. Photos and detail: signs of termites.

When is termite season?

Swarm season varies by state and species — subterranean termites mostly swarm in spring, drywood termites in late summer, and Formosan termites on warm evenings in May–June. In tropical Hawaii swarms happen year-round. Termites feed all year; swarms are just the visible part. See the swarm-season block on your state page.

Are termites only a problem in southern states?

No. Termites pressure homes from New England to the Midwest to California — every state except Alaska has some termite activity. The Southeast, Gulf Coast and Hawaii carry the heaviest risk, but even northern states deal with subterranean termites. Check your risk zone: termites by state.

Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?

Almost never — insurers treat termite damage as preventable maintenance. That is why annual inspections and, in high-risk states, a termite bond matter. What damage looks like and what repairs cost: termite damage guide.

Treatment and cost

How much does termite treatment cost?

Most termite treatments run $225–$2,500 depending on method and home size. Liquid soil barriers are typically priced per linear foot ($4–$12), bait station systems run $1,200–$3,200 installed plus annual monitoring, and whole-structure tent fumigation costs $2,000–$8,000. Full breakdown by method and termite type: termite treatment cost guide.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

A standalone inspection typically runs $75–$250, and many companies inspect free when you are considering treatment. For a real-estate closing you will need the documented WDI/WDIR version. Details: termite inspection guide.

Bait stations or liquid treatment — which is better?

Both work when installed and maintained correctly. Liquid barriers act faster and cost less upfront; bait systems are less invasive and can eliminate the colony itself but need ongoing monitoring. Many homes use both. Full comparison: bait stations vs liquid treatment.

When is fumigation (tenting) necessary?

Fumigation is usually the answer for widespread drywood termites, where colonies are scattered through framing, floors and furniture that local treatments cannot reach. At $2,000–$8,000 it is the most expensive and most disruptive option — you vacate for 2–3 days — but also the most complete. For subterranean termites, soil treatment or bait is normally enough. Prep and timeline: termite fumigation guide.

Can I treat termites myself?

DIY products can handle small, contained drywood spots, but subterranean and Formosan infestations need commercial termiticides, soil injection equipment and a license in most states. Misjudging the colony is the expensive mistake. Honest breakdown: DIY vs professional.

Is termite treatment safe for kids and pets?

Modern liquid termiticides are applied into soil and wall voids, not living spaces, and are considered low-risk once dry; bait stations are locked and buried. Fumigation is the exception — the whole household, pets and plants included, stays out until the home is aerated and cleared. Ask the applicator for the product label and re-entry instructions in writing.

How long does termite treatment last?

A professionally applied liquid barrier typically protects for 5–10 years depending on the product and soil. Bait systems protect only while they are serviced, so the annual monitoring fee is effectively the ongoing cost. Fumigation kills what is in the house but leaves no residual protection — reinfestation is possible. More: termite treatment methods.

Bonds, letters and real estate

What is a termite letter?

A termite letter — also called a WDIR, NPMA-33, WDO report or clearance letter — is the official document recording a wood-destroying insect inspection, usually required for a real-estate closing. It states whether evidence of termites was found; it is not a guarantee. More: what is a termite letter.

Is a termite bond worth it?

In heavy-pressure states (the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii), usually yes: a bond bundles annual inspections with retreatment coverage, and repair-covering bonds protect against future damage. Expect $500–$2,000 to start and roughly $200–$400 a year to renew. Details: what is a termite bond.

Do I need a termite inspection to sell my house?

In most transactions, yes — lenders (VA loans almost always) require a wood-destroying insect report before closing, and buyers routinely make it a contract condition even when the lender does not. The inspection must be documented on the official form and performed by a licensed operator. Details: termite inspection guide.

Can I sell a house with termites or old termite damage?

Yes. Active infestations typically must be treated before the buyer or lender signs off, and past damage must be disclosed where state law requires it. Documented professional treatment with a transferable warranty usually reassures buyers rather than scaring them. More: termite damage guide.

Choosing a termite control company

How do I choose a termite control company?

Verify the license with your state regulator (links on every state page), get at least two written inspections and quotes, ask which method they recommend for your termite species and why, and read the guarantee — retreat-only vs. retreat-and-repair makes a big difference. Avoid anyone who pressures you to sign the same day.

How do I verify a termite company's license?

Every state licenses structural pest control operators through a department of agriculture or a dedicated pest control board, and most offer a free online lookup by company name or license number. We link directly to each state's verification tool from its state page. A legitimate company will hand you its license number without being asked.

National chain or local company — does it matter?

Both can do good work; the license, method and contract terms matter more than the logo. National chains offer standardized guarantees and broad availability, while local operators often know regional species and construction better and price more flexibly. We compared the two largest national brands here: Terminix vs. Orkin.

What should a termite treatment quote include?

In writing: the species identified, the proposed method and why it fits, the area to be treated (linear feet for soil treatments, cubic feet for fumigation), the full price with any annual fees, and the warranty terms — duration, what triggers retreatment, and whether new damage repair is covered. Anything vague on paper will be vaguer after you sign.