Termite Control: Stop the Colony Before It Costs You the House
Termites eat wood quietly, around the clock, often for years before anyone notices, which is why termite control starts with catching them early. Call Bastion Pest Pros any time and we’ll get a licensed local termite exterminator on it. Ask about same-day or next-day availability; calling is free.
- 24/7 call line
- Free to call
- Licensed local termite pros
- Homes and businesses
- What it isFinding the termite species, eliminating or cutting off the colony, and protecting the structure from new ones.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)$1,500–$4,000 for a standard home treatment; fumigation and large homes can cost more.
- How fast help arrivesCall to check same-day or next-day inspection availability.
Termite Control at a Glance
Here are the short answers most people want before they pick up the phone. Details for each are further down the page.
- What it isFinding the termite species, eliminating or cutting off the colony, and protecting the structure from new ones.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)$1,500–$4,000 for a standard home treatment; fumigation and large homes can cost more.
- How fast help arrivesCall to check same-day or next-day inspection availability.
- How many visitsLiquid barriers are often one main visit; bait systems are monitored for months to years.
Signs You Have Termites
Termites rarely show themselves. What you’ll usually find is what they leave behind, so it helps to know what each clue points to.
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Pencil-wide mud tubes on the foundation, piers or walls | Subterranean termites traveling from soil to wood |
| A cloud of winged insects indoors in spring | A mature colony is in or very near the structure |
| Piles of shed wings on windowsills | A swarm already happened; swarmers have paired off |
| Tiny six-sided pellets below wood | Drywood termites pushing droppings out of their galleries |
| Wood that sounds hollow when tapped | Galleries eaten out behind a thin surface |
| Bubbling paint or wavy drywall | Moisture and tunneling right behind the surface |
| Doors and windows that suddenly stick | Frames warped by damage or moisture from activity |
| Soft spots in floors or baseboards | Feeding has reached flooring or subfloor |
One sign is enough to justify an inspection. Don’t break open mud tubes or spray the area first; the pro needs to see active termites.
Which Termite Is It? US Termite Types Compared
The US has three main kinds of termites that damage homes, plus the Formosan subterranean termite. Each lives differently, so each is treated differently.
| Type | Where it lives | Main clue | Where it’s most common | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern and other native subterranean | Underground colonies, travels in mud tubes | Mud tubes, spring swarms | Nearly every state except Alaska | Liquid barrier or bait system |
| Formosan subterranean | Huge underground colonies, sometimes nests inside walls | Large evening swarms around lights | Gulf Coast, Florida, Hawaii, parts of California and the Southeast | Liquid barrier or bait system, often aggressive |
| Drywood | Inside dry wood, no soil contact needed | Six-sided pellet piles, kick-out holes | Southern California, Arizona, Florida, Gulf Coast, Hawaii | Spot treatment or tent fumigation |
| Dampwood | Wet, decaying wood | Large termites in rotted, water-soaked wood | Pacific Coast, parts of Florida | Fix the moisture, replace wood, spot treat |
Not sure if it’s termites at all? Flying ants are often mistaken for swarmers; ants have a pinched waist and elbowed antennae. If it turns out to be ants in damp wood, see carpenter ant control.
Why Termites Can’t Wait
Termites don’t stop on their own, and the damage they cause adds up quietly. Termites can cause expensive structural damage when infestations go undetected.
Hidden structural damage
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so sills, joists and studs can weaken long before you see anything.
Insurance usually won’t pay
Most homeowners policies exclude termite damage as preventable, so repairs come out of pocket.
Home sales get harder
An active infestation found during a sale inspection can delay closing or cut the price.
Colonies keep growing
A mature colony keeps producing swarmers that can start new colonies nearby.
Repairs cost more than treatment
Replacing damaged framing usually costs far more than treating early.
The cheapest termite job is the one caught early.
How Termite Damage Builds Over Time
Termite damage builds slowly at first, then becomes visible all at once. The timeline below is a typical pattern for subterranean termites; drywood termites work slower but in the same direction.
- 1A house wall and foundation showing a subterranean colony in the soil
- 2Mud tubes climbing the foundation
- 3Galleries inside a sill plate
- Early
Workers find wood touching soil or reached by mud tubes — Usually nothing
- Established
Galleries spread through sill plates and lower framing — Mud tubes, maybe one swarm
- Advanced
Damage reaches floors, door frames and wall studs — Sticking doors, soft floors, bubbling paint
- Severe
Load-bearing wood is weakened — Sagging floors, visible damage during repairs
- After treatment
Colony eliminated or cut off; damaged wood assessed — Repairs can begin; monitoring continues
Damage speed depends on colony size, species and moisture. Formosan colonies are much larger than native ones, so they can do more damage faster.
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Call now (844) 442-2144DIY Termite Treatment vs Calling a Pro
Retail termite products exist, but most are made for spot use, not a whole-structure colony. Here’s the honest comparison.
| DIY products | Licensed termite pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies the species | No | Yes, during the inspection |
| Reaches the colony | Rarely; you treat only what you see | Yes, through soil treatment, baits or fumigation |
| Product strength | Retail-labeled | Professional termiticides, applied under state license |
| Equipment | Spray bottle or bait stakes | Trenching tools, soil injectors, drills, monitoring gear |
| Paperwork for a home sale | None | Treatment records and, often, a service agreement |
| Follow-up | None | Many providers offer renewable warranties; ask |
Spraying visible termites usually kills a few workers and leaves the colony untouched. It can also make the pro’s inspection harder.
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Call now (844) 442-2144What the Termite Inspection Covers
Every treatment plan starts with a full inspection. The pro needs to know the species, where they’re getting in and how far damage has spread before quoting.
- Foundation walls, piers and slab edges, inside and out
- Crawl space or basement: sill plates, joists, moisture levels
- Garage, porches, decks and steps touching soil
- Attic framing and roof eaves, especially for drywood termites
- Door and window frames, baseboards and trim
- Plumbing penetrations and slab cracks where termites can enter
- Moisture sources: leaks, gutters, grading and drainage
- Wood-to-soil contact, mulch beds and firewood near the home
Selling or buying a home? A real-estate termite report has its own rules. See our full guide to termite inspections.
Termite Treatment Options Compared
There are four main ways licensed pros handle termite control. The right one depends on the species, the construction of your home and how widespread the infestation is.
| Method | How it works | Best for | Time on site | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid soil barrier | Termiticide is applied in a trench and injected into soil around and under the foundation | Subterranean and Formosan termites | Usually one long visit | Clear the perimeter; move items in the garage and crawl space access |
| Bait system | Stations in the soil hold bait workers carry back to the colony | Subterranean and Formosan; homes where drilling or trenching is hard | Short install, then regular monitoring | Minimal |
| Tent fumigation | The home is sealed and filled with a gas that circulates through the prepared structure, reaching many hidden areas | Widespread drywood infestations | Out of the home about 2–3 days | Significant; food, pets, plants and gas service |
| Spot (localized) treatment | Foam, liquid or dust injected into specific galleries, or localized heat | Small, accessible drywood or dampwood infestations | Usually a shorter visit | Minimal |
Many jobs combine methods, such as a liquid barrier plus a few bait stations, or fumigation followed by preventive wood treatment.
Liquid Termite Barrier vs Termite Bait System: Which Is Better?
This is the most common choice for subterranean termites. Both work when installed correctly; they just work differently.
| Liquid barrier | Bait system | |
|---|---|---|
| How it stops termites | Treated soil kills or blocks termites passing through | Workers share slow-acting bait through the colony |
| Speed | Often faster to stop active feeding | Slower; UC IPM notes baits may take several months or even years to control the problem |
| Disruption | Trenching around the home; drilling slabs or patios | Small stations in the soil every several feet |
| Ongoing service | Periodic inspections; re-treatment as needed | Regular station checks are required |
| Good fit | Active infestation, crawl space homes | Homes near wells or water, hard-to-drill slabs, families wanting less soil treatment |
| Watch out for | Gaps in the barrier from landscaping or additions | Stations must be checked on schedule to work |
A quick way to frame the choice with the pro
Active termites found in the structure now?
A liquid barrier is often the first option discussed, sometimes with bait stations added.
Slab, patio or additions that are hard to drill or trench?
A bait system may fit better.
Well, pond or nearby water source?
Tell the pro; it can rule out soil treatment in some spots.
Want less soil treatment and willing to keep up station checks?
Baits are a common choice.
Neither method guarantees a colony is gone. Ask the pro why they recommend one over the other for your house, and how they’ll confirm it’s working.
When Is Tent Fumigation Needed?
Fumigation is mostly a drywood termite tool. It’s recommended when the infestation is spread through walls, attics or furniture that spot treatment can’t reach.
Multiple pellet piles in different rooms
suggests several colonies, not one
Activity in hidden areas
wall voids, attic framing or inside built-ins
Past spot treatments failed
new pellets keep appearing
Before a sale in drywood regions
some buyers ask for whole-structure treatment
Fumigation kills termites throughout the structure but leaves no lasting protection. For the full process, prep checklist and safety steps, see tent fumigation.
Questions about cost or safety? Ask on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What Happens When You Call
Getting termite help takes one call. You don’t need to know the species or which company handles which method.
- Step 1
Call (844) 442-2144
The line is open 24/7.
- Step 2
Describe what you found
Mud tubes, swarmers, pellets or damage, and where you saw them. Photos help.
- Step 3
A licensed local termite pro follows up
They schedule the inspection. Ask about same-day or next-day appointment times.
- Step 4
The pro inspects and explains
You get the species, the extent of activity and a recommended plan.
- Step 5
You get a written quote
Price, method, number of visits and any warranty terms, before work starts.
- Step 6
You decide
There’s no obligation to book.
For the full step-by-step, see how to get service.
Start with step 1. It’s free.
Calling costs nothing. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service they quote.
Call (844) 442-2144Ask about same-day or next-day availability
How to Prepare for Termite Treatment
Prep depends on the method. These steps cover a typical liquid barrier or bait installation; fumigation has its own list on the tenting page.
- Clear the foundation perimeter as the pro directs: move planters, firewood and stored items
- Pull mulch back from the slab or foundation if the pro asks
- Clear access to the crawl space, attic hatch and garage walls
- Empty lower cabinets on walls where slab drilling is planned
- Mark irrigation lines, buried cables and septic or well locations
- Tell the pro about wells, ponds or nearby water sources
- Plan for pets and kids to stay away from the work area that day
After Termite Treatment: What to Expect
Termites don’t vanish overnight, and some activity after treatment is normal. Here’s the typical sequence for a subterranean treatment; the provider gives you the timing for your method.
- Right after treatment
Soil is damp near the foundation; drilled holes in slabs are patched
- Early after treatment
Activity may persist while the provider monitors the treatment; timing depends on the method and species
- Bait monitoring period
Bait systems: stations checked and refilled as termites feed
- Follow-up visit
The pro confirms activity has stopped
- Later
Regular inspections to catch new activity or barrier gaps
Leave bait stations alone and avoid disturbing treated soil when gardening. Call the provider if you see new mud tubes after the period they told you to expect.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
The pro gives an exact price after inspecting. These are typical U.S. ranges from published cost guides, not quotes, to help you know what to expect before you call.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Termite treatment, standard home | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Termite inspection | $75–$325; many companies offer free routine inspections |
| Tent fumigation | About $1–$4 per square foot of home |
Sources: AlwaysDoBetter 2026 pricing guide (treatment); HomeAdvisor (inspection); Angi and Fixr (fumigation).
What moves the price up or down
Linear feet of foundation
liquid barriers are priced largely by the perimeter
Construction
slabs, patios and additions that need drilling take more time and product
Species
Formosan and widespread drywood infestations cost more
Method
fumigation and bait systems with monitoring contracts cost more upfront
Damage and moisture repairs
usually priced separately from treatment
Warranty or service agreement
annual renewal fees vary by provider
One-Time Treatment vs Ongoing Termite Protection
Treatment stops today’s termites. Protection keeps the next colony from moving in, which matters in high-risk regions.
| One-time treatment | Treatment plus ongoing plan | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Treatment for the current infestation | Treatment, then annual inspections and re-treatment terms |
| Cost pattern | One upfront price | Upfront price plus a renewal fee |
| If termites return | Usually a new job | Often covered under the plan’s terms; read them |
| Home sale | Treatment records only | Some plans transfer to the buyer |
| Best for | Low-risk areas, drywood after fumigation | Southeast, Gulf Coast and other high-risk regions |
Read the plan carefully. Some cover re-treatment only; others also cover repair of new damage. Ask which yours is.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Termite Prevention Checklist
Termites need wood, moisture and a way in. Cutting off those three makes your home a lot less attractive.
Around the foundation
- Keep mulch thin and pulled back from the foundation
- Remove wood-to-soil contact at decks, steps and fences
- Store firewood and lumber away from the house, off the ground
- Keep a visible gap between soil and siding so mud tubes are easy to spot
Water and moisture
- Clean gutters and point downspouts away from the house
- Fix leaking hose bibs, AC drip lines and plumbing
- Ventilate crawl spaces and fix standing water under the house
Inside and up top
- Seal cracks in slabs and gaps around pipes
- Inspect furniture and antiques for pellets before bringing them in
- Screen attic vents in drywood regions
When Do Termites Swarm?
A termite swarm is the most visible sign of termites, and timing differs by species. Swarmers indoors usually mean the colony is inside or right next to the structure.
| Species | Typical swarm season | Time of day |
|---|---|---|
| Native subterranean | Late winter to spring, often on warm days after rain | Daytime |
| Formosan subterranean | Late spring to early summer, around late May and June | Dusk and night, drawn to lights |
| Drywood | Varies by region; often summer to fall | Daytime or evening |
| Dampwood | Late summer to fall | Evening |
Swarm timing shifts earlier in warm climates like Florida and later farther north. Save a few swarmers in a sealed bag for identification.
Termite Risk by Region
Termites live in every state except Alaska, but risk is far from even. Warm, humid areas see the most damage and the most species.
| Region | Termite risk | Main species |
|---|---|---|
| Florida and Gulf Coast (TX, LA, MS, AL) | Highest | Native subterranean, Formosan, drywood |
| Southeast (GA, SC, NC) | Very high | Native subterranean, some Formosan |
| Southern California and Arizona | High | Drywood, desert and native subterranean |
| Hawaii | Very high | Formosan, drywood |
| Mid-Atlantic and lower Midwest | Moderate | Native subterranean |
| Pacific Northwest | Moderate | Dampwood, subterranean |
| Northern states and mountain areas | Lower | Native subterranean |
In the highest-risk states, annual inspections and an ongoing protection plan are common practice. Florida homeowners can find local help on our Florida pest control page.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Questions to Ask the Termite Pro
A good termite pro answers these without hesitation. Ask them before you sign anything.
- 1
Which termite species is it, and how do you know?
- 2
Where is the activity, and where is it getting in?
- 3
Which method do you recommend, and why that one for my house?
- 4
What product will you use, and is it safe around my well, garden or pets?
- 5
How many visits, and how long until the colony is gone?
- 6
What does the warranty cover: re-treatment only, or damage repair too?
- 7
What’s the annual renewal cost, and does the plan transfer if I sell?
- 8
What’s your state license number and termite category?
Termite Myths vs Facts
A lot of termite advice online is wrong. These are the myths that cost homeowners the most.
- MythBrick or concrete homes can’t get termitesFactTermites get in through cracks and gaps and eat the wood framing, trim and contents
- MythIf I don’t see termites, I don’t have themFactMost activity is hidden inside wood or soil; inspections find what you can’t see
- MythSwarmers outside mean nothingFactA swarm near the house means a mature colony is close by
- MythOrange oil kills a whole infestationFactIt may help on small, accessible spots; it doesn’t treat colonies spread through a structure
- MythOne treatment protects foreverFactBarriers break down and get disturbed; ongoing inspections matter
- MythHomeowners insurance will cover itFactMost policies exclude termite damage
Termites in Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Who’s responsible and what’s needed changes with the property. Here’s what to know for each.
| Property | Common needs | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family homes | Treatment plus annual protection | Keep treatment records for resale |
| Homes being bought or sold | Real-estate termite inspection and report | Lenders may require it; see termite inspection |
| Rentals | Inspection, treatment, tenant notice | Termite repair is usually the owner’s responsibility; check your lease and local law |
| Condos and townhomes | Building-wide treatment | Often handled through the HOA because colonies cross unit lines |
| Commercial buildings | Pre-construction and ongoing protection | See commercial pest control for service plans |
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Call now (844) 442-2144Why Call Bastion for Termites
Finding a good termite company means comparing methods, warranties and licenses. One call to Bastion gets that process started.
One number for any termite problem.
Subterranean, Formosan, drywood or dampwood, you don’t have to figure out who handles which.
Licensed local pros.
Termite companies must hold a state license, often in a specific termite or wood-destroying organism category.
Fast inspections.
Call to check same-day or next-day availability.
Method-neutral starting point.
Barriers, baits, spot work and tenting are compared side by side above, so you can weigh the pro’s recommendation.
Verify before work starts: get both the company license number and the applicator’s, then search them on your state agriculture or pest control board’s site. The license category should include termites or wood-destroying organisms.
Termite Control by state
Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.
Florida pest control
- termite control in Miami
- termite control in West Palm Beach
- termite treatment in Tampa
- termite treatment in Orlando
- termite control in Jacksonville
- termite control in Boca Raton
- termite control in Clearwater
- termite control in Vero Beach
- termite control in Pompano Beach
- termite control in Sarasota
- termite control in Fort Pierce
- termite treatment in Fort Lauderdale
- termite control in Lake Worth
- termite control in Palm Beach Gardens
- pest control in Miami
- pest control in Jacksonville
- pest control in Orlando
- pest control in Tampa
- pest control in Fort Myers
- pest control in West Palm Beach
Texas pest control
- termite control in Houston
- termite control in San Antonio
- termite control in Beaumont
- termite control in Austin
- termite control in Dallas
- termite control in Tyler
- termite control in Waco
- termite control in Fort Worth
- pest control in Houston
- pest control in San Antonio
- pest control in Dallas
- pest control in Austin
- pest control in Corpus Christi
- pest control in Fort Worth
California pest control
- termite control in San Diego
- termite control in San Marcos, CA
- termite control in San Jose
- termite control in Sacramento
- termite control in Long Beach
- termite control in Bakersfield
- termite treatment in Orange, CA
- termite control in Anaheim
- termite control in Fresno
- termite control in Riverside
- termite control in San Francisco
- termite control in Santa Maria
- termite control in Santa Monica
- termite control in Oxnard
- termite control in Burbank
- termite control in Victorville
- termite control in Vista
- termite control in Encinitas
- termite control in Desert Hot Springs
- termite control in Huntington Beach
- termite control in Roseville, CA
- termite control in Santa Cruz
- termite control in Palm Springs
- pest control in Los Angeles
- pest control in San Diego
- pest control in Sacramento
- pest control in Fresno
- pest control in Bakersfield
- pest control in Modesto
Termite Control FAQs
How long does termite treatment take?
A liquid barrier on a typical home is usually one main visit. Bait systems install quickly, but UC IPM notes they may take several months or even years to control the problem.
Can I stay home during termite treatment?
For liquid barriers and bait systems, usually yes. Tent fumigation requires everyone, including pets, to leave for about 2–3 days.
How long does a termite treatment last?
It depends on the product, soil and how much the treated area is disturbed. That’s why annual inspections are recommended; ask the pro how long their product is labeled to protect.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Usually not. Most policies treat termite damage as preventable maintenance. Check your own policy.
Are termite treatments safe for kids and pets?
When applied according to the label by a licensed pro, modern termiticides are designed to stay in the soil or bait station. Keep kids and pets away from the work area until the pro says it’s fine.
Should I treat if I only saw swarmers once?
Get an inspection. A swarm means a mature colony is nearby, even if it doesn’t happen again for a year.
What’s the difference between termite control and a termite inspection?
Control is the treatment. An inspection finds out whether you have termites and is required for many home sales; see termite inspection.
Do drywood termites always need tenting?
No. Small, accessible infestations can often be spot treated. Tenting is for widespread or hidden infestations.
Will the termite company repair damage?
Most treat the termites only. Repairs are usually done by a contractor, unless your service agreement includes damage repair.
How often should I get a termite inspection?
Once a year is the common recommendation, especially in the Southeast, Gulf Coast and other high-risk areas.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Stop Termites Before the Damage Spreads
Every month a colony feeds, the repair bill grows, so don’t put off termite control. Call now and we’ll get a licensed local termite pro on it.
Call now (844) 442-2144