So, you’ve discovered a termite problem at your house and want to know what’s the next step. Questions start racing in your mind like, can I treat this myself, are termite treatments safe, and how much does a termite treatment cost? In this article we will discuss the answers to these termite questions and much more.
Before we get to how much termite treatments cost, here are some great articles on termites, treatments, and termite prevention tips:
Termite Treatment Costs
For some homeowners, the thought of having termites is enough to cause stress and strain to their minds and wallets. Your home is usually your largest investment, and termites love to damage homes. Termites, unlike other wood destroying pests, can actually eat and digest the wood of your home. This is because they have a bacterium in their stomach that allows them to use wood as a food source.
Before we can quote a price for termite control at a house, we need to gather a few pieces of information.
1) Do you actually have termites?
First step is we need to verify your home has termites. There are other wood pests that can damage the wood of a homes. Wood rot is another form of wood damage that can sometimes mimic termite damage. A reputable termite control company will verify that you have termites and formulate of a plan of action to eliminate the termite colony.
There are 3 main ways we can identify termite activity.
- Termite Damage
- Termite Swarmers
- Termite Mud Shelter Tubes
2) Size of the house
When we measure a house for a termite treatment, we need to know the total linear feet of the house. Unlike many other home measurements that use square footage of a home, the total linear feet of a house is needed to properly quote a termite treatment.
Linear feet is calculated by measuring all of the sides of a house and adding them up. In the pictured example of a house, we measure the front, back, and sides of the house and add them up.
The total linear feet of a house is needed so we can properly calculate how much termite chemical is needed and how long it will take us to complete the termite treatment.
We use a measuring wheel to accurately get the measurements of the house. A tape measure, and even a satellite measurement could also work to determine the total linear feet of a house.
3: What type of termite treatment is needed
There are 2 basic methods for termite treatments: termite liquid treatments and termite baiting systems. Termite control companies will inspect your home and advise you of your termite treatment options. There are some homes where a liquid termite treatment is preferred and others where termite baiting systems must be used.
Typically, liquid termite treatments will cost a little more than termite baiting systems. This is because of the additional labor and material cost of the termite treatment.
Some homes we have to use termite baiting systems. Homes that have a drinking well or stream close to the house will require the use of termite baits. We prefer to use liquid termite treatments using Termidor HE when applicable.
The homeowner obviously has a say in what termite treatment method we will use. Some homeowners prefer termite bait systems or termite liquid treatments. When able, we always try to use the termite treatment method that works best and aligns with our client’s wishes.
Exploring effective termite treatments
4) How much concrete, stone, or hardscaping is around the house
Whether we use a termite baiting system or a traditional liquid termite treatment, we must be able to get the treatment where the termites are located. In Pennsylvania, we have subterranean termites which means they live and travel under the ground and in the wood.
In order to inject the liquid termite treatment against the foundation, we will have to drill small holes every 18″ through the concrete or stone around a house. These holes allow us to inject the liquid termite product under the concrete where the termites are located. After the termite treatment, we install plugs into the holes to cover the holes and hide them.
The more drilling we have to do, the more labor is involved, and this impacts the cost of the termite treatment.
Liquid Termite Treatment Cost
We’ve established you have termites, measured your house, and recommended a liquid termite treatment, so how much does a liquid termite treatment cost? Of course, every house is a different size and every situation is different, but here are some pricing guidelines to go off of:
For a traditional liquid termite treatment using Termidor HE you can expect to pay:
- $8-$10 per Linear Foot
A typical 2000sq/ft home would measure approximately 180 linear feet. So, a homeowner could reasonably expect to be quoted $1440-$1800 for a termite treatment with a warranty.
Why do you use Termidor HE for liquid termite treatments?
Termidor HE is the very best liquid termite control product available to our industry. Does it cost more than other termite control chemicals? Yes, but Termidor HE also works better, faster, and lasts longer than any other termite control chemical available. When protecting your home from termites you need the best termite company AND the best termite product, and that is why we use it.
Cost of Termite Baiting Systems
The cost of termite baiting systems is calculated using the above steps and also factoring in the routine maintenance, inspection, and servicing of these termite stations. Unlike liquid termite treatments, termite baiting systems must be checked at least annually for service.
After measuring the total linear footage of the house, and inspecting the area for installation, we can provide an approximate cost for termite baiting systems.
For a 2000 sq/ft home, the cost to install termite baits is approximately $1000. This amount is based on the size of the home, and the number of stations to be installed. The stations are typically installed every 15-20 feet around the exterior foundation of the house.
After the initial installation of the termite baiting system, we need to schedule routine service visits to inspect the stations and service them. This is typically an annual fee of $200. Although the initial termite baiting system is often less than a traditional liquid termite service, the annual checks and service end up making the treatment cost more.
Does the cost of a termite treatment include a warranty?
Yes, all of our termite treatments include at least a 1-year warranty, with most termite treatments including a 2-year warranty. This warranty is included in the cost of the termite treatment. After the initial termite warranty period, the termite warranty can be renewed on an annual basis.
I’m selling my house; will the termite warranty be transferred to the new owner?
Yes, termite warranties stay with the house and are transferred automatically to the new homeowner. Many times, homeowners discover they have a termite problem when they have an inspection as they purchase or sell a home. The termite warranty will provide you and the new homeowners with piece of mind for years to come.
Can I just treat the termites myself?
Although it may seem tempting for a homeowner to try and eliminate their termites themselves, it rarely ever works. This is because the subterranean termites are located below ground and in the wood. Yes, you can spray and eliminate termite swarmers when they emerge, but that will have very little effect on the termite colony as a whole.
There are many reasons why a homeowner cannot resolve a termite issue themselves. It may seem biased that a termite control company says that a homeowner can’t treat the termites themselves, but it’s true.
Don’t believe us? Check out our article on DIY termite control:
Termite Control for your home
Prudential Pest Solutions provides termite control and treatment services. Our termite services will treat and protect your home from termites for years to come. We use the best termite products and equipment to eliminate termites and termite colonies. We have the knowledge and experience to resolve ANY termite issue you may have.
Termite Company near me
Prudential Pest Solutions provides termite control and elimination services to all of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Some of the many areas we service for termites include:
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