Termite Treatment Guide
Termites cause roughly $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., and most homeowner insurance policies don't cover it. The scary part is they can be eating your home for years before you notice. Early detection is everything... and honestly, professional treatment is almost always necessary for active infestations.
Signs of Infestation
Mud tubes on foundation walls
Subterranean termites build pencil-width mud tubes from the ground up your foundation to reach wood. These tubes protect them from air exposure. Break one open... if you see small, white, ant-like insects inside, you have active termites.
Hollow-sounding wood
Tap on baseboards, door frames, and window sills. If the wood sounds hollow or papery, termites may have eaten it from the inside out. They leave a thin outer shell intact, so the surface can look fine while the interior is destroyed.
Swarmers or discarded wings
In spring, reproductive termites swarm to start new colonies. You'll find small winged insects or piles of shed wings near windows, doors, and light sources. Termite wings are all the same length... that's how you tell them from flying ants.
Frass (drywood termite pellets)
Drywood termites push small, six-sided fecal pellets out of tiny holes in wood. You'll find small piles of what looks like coarse sand or sawdust below infested wood. This is specific to drywood termites, common in southern states.
Buckling or bubbling paint
Paint that bubbles, peels, or appears water-damaged without any moisture source can indicate termites feeding just below the surface. Press on the area... if it gives easily, the wood behind it is compromised.
Tight-fitting doors or windows
Termite damage warps wood as they eat through it. Doors and windows that suddenly stick or won't close properly... especially in older homes... can be a sign of termite damage to the framing.
DIY Treatment Methods
Termite monitoring stations
$40 to $80 for a starter kitInstall in-ground monitoring stations every 10 feet around your home's perimeter. Check them monthly. They contain wood that attracts termites... if you find activity, you can add bait cartridges or call a pro before damage gets serious.
Borate wood treatment
$30 to $60 per gallonSpray or brush borate solution (like Bora-Care) onto exposed wood in crawl spaces, attics, and unfinished basements. Borate penetrates the wood and kills termites that feed on it. This is a preventive treatment... it won't stop an active infestation in walls.
Reduce wood-to-ground contact
$0 to $50 depending on materialsRemove any wood debris, mulch, or stored lumber touching your foundation. Replace wood lattice with plastic. Ensure at least 6 inches of clearance between soil and any wood siding or framing.
Fix moisture issues
$0 to $200 for dehumidifierTermites need moisture. Fix leaky pipes, improve drainage around your foundation, clean gutters, and make sure crawl spaces are ventilated. A dehumidifier in the crawl space can make the environment much less hospitable.
Prevention Tips
- ✓Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between soil and wood siding on your home.
- ✓Direct downspouts and grading away from the foundation to prevent moisture buildup.
- ✓Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
- ✓Remove dead trees, stumps, and wood debris from your yard.
- ✓Use termite-resistant wood (pressure-treated, cedar, or redwood) for any ground-contact construction.
- ✓Get a professional termite inspection every 1 to 2 years... it typically costs $75 to $150 and is worth every penny.
When to Call a Professional
Let's be real... if you have active termites, you need a professional. DIY monitoring and prevention are great, but eliminating an active colony requires either a liquid barrier treatment (like Termidor) or a professional bait system (like Sentricon). These products aren't available to consumers, and the application requires specialized equipment. The average home treatment takes 1 to 2 days and includes a warranty. Don't gamble with structural damage to save a few hundred dollars.
Exterminator Cost
Average professional treatment cost
$500 to $2500
Varies by severity, home size, and region
Recommended Products
Spectracide Terminate Monitoring Stations (15-pack)
In-ground stations for early termite detection. Install around your perimeter and check monthly. Pop-up indicators tell you when termites are present.
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Bora-Care Borate Wood Treatment
Professional-grade borate solution for treating exposed wood. Penetrates deep and provides long-term protection against termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles.
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Moisture Meter for Wood
Digital pin-type meter that reads moisture content in wood. Readings above 20% create conditions termites love. Check your crawl space and framing regularly.
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This guide is for informational purposes. For severe infestations or health concerns, consult a licensed pest control professional.