Professional termite treatment typically costs $225 to $2,500 for chemical soil treatments or bait systems. A localized treatment may cost only a few hundred dollars, while severe drywood termite infestations requiring whole-home fumigation generally cost $2,000 to $8,000 for an average-sized house.
Home size has the greatest effect on treatments applied throughout the entire structure. Gas fumigation costs approximately $1 to $4 per square foot, while whole-home heat treatment costs around $1 to $3 per square foot. Liquid barriers and bait stations are usually priced by the home’s exterior perimeter rather than its total living area.
The final cost depends on:
- Home size and perimeter
- Termite species
- Infestation severity
- Treatment method
- Foundation type
- Number of affected areas
- Accessibility
- Follow-up monitoring
- Existing structural damage
Termite Treatment Cost at a Glance
| Termite service | Typical U.S. cost |
|---|---|
| Standard chemical or bait treatment | $225–$2,500 |
| Current national treatment average | About $620 |
| Localized one-time treatment | $200–$1,000 |
| Whole-home gas fumigation | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Gas fumigation | $1–$4 per sq. ft. |
| Whole-home heat treatment | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Heat treatment | $1–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Micro or spot treatment | $6–$8 per sq. ft. |
| Chemical soil treatment | $3–$20 per linear foot |
| Termite bait system | $7–$12 per linear foot |
| Whole-home bait system | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Annual bait monitoring | $200–$400 |
| Termite inspection | $0–$250 |
| Follow-up inspection | $75–$150 |
| Minor termite damage repair | $300–$2,000 |
| Major structural repairs | $5,000–$15,000+ |
Angi reports a current national average near $621, with many individual treatments ranging from $75 to $1,750. HomeGuide reports a broader $225-to-$2,500 range for chemical and bait methods because complete perimeter systems cost more than small localized applications.
Termite Fumigation Cost by Home Size
Whole-home fumigation is the termite treatment most directly priced by house square footage. The table below applies the current national range of $1 to $4 per square foot for gas fumigation.
| Home size | Estimated gas fumigation cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $1,000–$4,000 |
| 1,500 square feet | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $2,500–$10,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $3,000–$12,000 |
| 3,500 square feet | $3,500–$14,000 |
| 4,000 square feet | $4,000–$16,000 |
These figures are preliminary estimates rather than guaranteed prices. Pest-control companies may calculate fumigation using the structure’s total volume, roof design, number of floors, attached garages, decks, crawl spaces, and preparation requirements—not only the home’s listed floor area.
Cost to treat a 1,000-square-foot home
Whole-home fumigation for a 1,000-square-foot house may cost approximately $1,000 to $4,000. A localized spot treatment or exterior soil barrier may cost significantly less when termites have not spread throughout the structure.
Small homes do not always receive the lowest per-square-foot rate because the company still has fixed costs for inspection, labor, tent installation, equipment, transportation, safety procedures, and aeration.
Cost to treat a 1,500-square-foot home
Gas fumigation for a 1,500-square-foot home may cost $1,500 to $6,000.
A bait or liquid treatment may cost closer to $1,000 to $2,500 when subterranean termites can be controlled around the exterior perimeter without tenting the entire house.
Cost to treat a 2,000-square-foot home
Whole-home fumigation for a 2,000-square-foot property generally costs approximately $2,000 to $8,000. Heat treatment for the same house may cost $2,000 to $6,000.
A 2,000-square-foot home requiring a standard liquid barrier or bait system may cost less because these methods are commonly priced by linear feet of foundation perimeter instead of interior floor area.
Cost to treat a 2,500-square-foot home
Fumigating a 2,500-square-foot home may cost approximately $2,500 to $10,000.
Costs rise when the house has:
- Several stories
- A complex roof
- Attached structures
- Difficult tent access
- Extensive drywood termite activity
- Additional infested furniture or detached buildings
Cost to treat a 3,000-square-foot home
Whole-home fumigation for a 3,000-square-foot house may cost $3,000 to $12,000. Current national fumigation guidance indicates that larger 3,000-square-foot properties may reach the upper end of this range.
A larger floor plan does not always mean a proportionally larger exterior perimeter. A compact two-story house may require fewer linear feet of liquid or bait treatment than a sprawling single-story home with the same living area.
Why Termite Costs Are Not Always Based on Square Footage
Square-foot pricing works reasonably well for whole-home fumigation and heat treatments because the entire structure must be enclosed and treated.
Subterranean termite treatments are usually based on the foundation perimeter. Current national pricing is approximately:
- Chemical soil treatment: $3 to $20 per linear foot
- Bait systems: $7 to $12 per linear foot
- Whole-home bait installation: $1,000 to $2,500
- Annual bait monitoring: $200 to $400
Two homes with the same square footage can therefore receive different quotes. A one-story ranch may have a much longer foundation perimeter than a two-story house with the same total living area.
Termite Treatment Cost by Method
Liquid soil treatment
Chemical soil treatments cost approximately $3 to $20 per linear foot, with whole-home treatments commonly costing $500 to $2,000 or more. The technician applies a labeled liquid termiticide around the foundation to create a treated zone between the soil and the structure.
Liquid treatment is commonly used for subterranean termites. Homes with patios, concrete slabs, basements, crawl spaces, wells, or difficult foundation access may require additional drilling or application work.
Termite bait stations
Termite bait systems cost $7 to $12 per linear foot, or approximately $1,000 to $2,500 for a whole-home installation. Ongoing monitoring and bait replacement generally add $200 to $400 per year.
Bait stations contain cellulose combined with a slow-acting active ingredient. Foraging termites carry the material back toward the colony, allowing the treatment to affect termites beyond the individual station.
Localized spot treatment
Micro or localized treatments cost approximately $6 to $8 per square foot of the treated area. Technicians may use liquid products, localized heat, foam, or another treatment appropriate for the termite species and infestation location.
Spot treatment may be appropriate when the infestation is confined to a verified area. It provides less assurance than whole-home fumigation when drywood termite colonies are distributed through several hidden sections of the building.
Gas fumigation
Gas fumigation costs $1 to $4 per square foot, or approximately $2,000 to $8,000 for many average-sized homes. The structure is enclosed, fumigated, and then aerated before occupants can return.
The process may take up to 72 hours, during which occupants, pets, and plants cannot remain inside the structure. Preparation requirements can also include handling food, medicine, vehicles, alarms, and exterior plants according to the fumigator’s instructions.
Whole-home heat treatment
Heat treatment generally costs $1 to $3 per square foot, or approximately $2,000 to $6,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. The structure or affected area is heated to temperatures capable of killing termites inside wood.
Heat avoids gaseous pesticides, but preparation may still be extensive because heat-sensitive items must be removed or protected.
Cost by Infestation Severity
Angi estimates treatment costs by infestation level as follows:
| Infestation severity | Typical treatment cost |
|---|---|
| Small infestation | $250–$1,200 |
| Medium infestation | $400–$1,500 |
| Large infestation | $1,200–$3,000 |
These ranges exclude major wood replacement and may not include whole-home fumigation. Large drywood infestations can exceed $3,000 when the complete structure must be tented.
Infestation severity affects the amount of product, labor, drilling, monitoring, follow-up work, and number of building areas that must be treated.
Cost by Termite Type
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites live primarily underground and commonly enter homes through foundation cracks, utility openings, mud tubes, or wood-to-soil contact.
Treatment normally involves liquid soil applications, bait stations, wood treatments, or a combination of methods. The EPA identifies liquid soil-applied termiticides and termite baits as two common approved approaches.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites live inside wood and do not require continuous contact with soil. A limited infestation may be treated locally, while colonies spread throughout a home may require gas fumigation or whole-home heat treatment.
Because fumigation is priced by the structure’s size, drywood termite treatment is where home square footage has the strongest impact on cost.
Dampwood termites
Dampwood termites prefer moist or decaying wood. Treatment may require removing infested material and correcting the underlying moisture source in addition to pest-control work.
Plumbing leaks, poor drainage, roof leaks, and wet crawl spaces can continue attracting wood-destroying pests if the moisture problem remains unresolved.
Termite Inspection Cost
A professional termite inspection generally costs $0 to $250. Some companies provide a free inspection when the homeowner purchases a treatment plan. A follow-up inspection usually costs $75 to $150 when it is not included in the original contract.
Inspection prices increase with home size and accessibility. Current estimates place an inspection for a 1,000-square-foot home near $75, while a 3,000-square-foot property may cost $200 or more.
A thorough inspection should examine accessible areas such as:
- Foundation
- Exterior perimeter
- Crawl space
- Basement
- Attic
- Garage
- Wood framing
- Trim and siding
- Areas with excess moisture
Termite Damage Repair Cost
Treatment eliminates or controls the infestation, but it does not restore damaged wood.
Minor termite damage costs approximately $300 to $2,000 to repair. Moderate framing or subfloor work costs $2,000 to $5,000, while major structural repairs involving load-bearing walls, floors, or several support beams can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
| Damage level | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Minor cosmetic damage | $300–$2,000 |
| Moderate framing or subfloor damage | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Major structural damage | $5,000–$15,000+ |
| Structural engineer inspection | $350–$900 |
The termite infestation should be treated before damaged sections are rebuilt. Otherwise, active termites may continue damaging the new materials.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Treatment?
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover termite treatment or gradual termite damage because insurers typically classify it as a preventable maintenance issue. Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances, so homeowners should review their contract directly with the insurer.
Some pest-control contracts include a retreatment warranty or limited damage-repair protection. Verify exactly what the agreement covers, how long it lasts, whether annual inspections are mandatory, and whether coverage transfers to a future homeowner.
Professional Treatment vs. DIY
EPA-approved termite treatment options include liquid soil-applied termiticides, termite baits, treated building materials, and wood treatments. The EPA states that termiticide application usually requires a trained pest-management professional because incorrect application may fail to protect the structure and can contaminate the home or nearby water sources.
DIY products may cost less upfront, but visible termites may represent only a small part of a colony hidden underground or inside structural wood. Professional inspection is especially important when there are mud tubes, recurring swarmers, hollow wood, sagging floors, damaged framing, or activity in multiple locations.
How to Save Money on Termite Treatment
- Get two or three written estimates. Compare the same treatment method and coverage area.
- Ask how the price was calculated. Determine whether it is based on square feet, linear feet, treatment zones, or building volume.
- Confirm the termite species. Different species require different treatment strategies.
- Check whether inspection is free with treatment.
- Compare warranties carefully. A lower quote may include less follow-up protection.
- Correct moisture problems. Repair leaks and improve drainage where necessary.
- Remove wood-to-soil contact.
- Avoid storing firewood against the house.
- Schedule follow-up inspections.
- Treat active termites before repairing damaged wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does termite treatment cost?
Chemical and bait treatments generally cost $225 to $2,500. Whole-home fumigation commonly costs $2,000 to $8,000.
How much does termite treatment cost per square foot?
Gas fumigation costs approximately $1 to $4 per square foot, heat treatment costs $1 to $3, and localized micro treatments cost $6 to $8 per treated square foot.
How much does it cost to treat a 2,000-square-foot house?
Whole-home gas fumigation for a 2,000-square-foot house generally costs $2,000 to $8,000. Heat treatment costs approximately $2,000 to $6,000. Liquid and bait systems are generally priced by foundation perimeter instead.
How much do termite bait stations cost?
A whole-home termite bait system costs approximately $1,000 to $2,500, plus $200 to $400 per year for monitoring and bait replacement.
Is termite fumigation always necessary?
No. Subterranean termites are commonly treated with liquid soil barriers or bait stations. Fumigation is more likely when drywood termites are distributed throughout the structure.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
Most termite inspections cost $0 to $250. Some companies waive the fee when treatment is purchased.
How long does termite treatment take?
A localized treatment may be completed in less than a day. Whole-home treatment may take one to three days, depending on the method, home size, preparation, and aeration requirements.
Conclusion
Professional termite treatment generally costs $225 to $2,500 for liquid or bait methods. Whole-home gas fumigation costs approximately $1 to $4 per square foot, placing a 2,000-square-foot home between $2,000 and $8,000 and a 3,000-square-foot home between $3,000 and $12,000.
Home size is only one pricing factor. Liquid and bait treatments depend more heavily on foundation perimeter, while localized treatments depend on the size and location of the affected area. Termite species, foundation type, accessibility, infestation severity, follow-up monitoring, and structural damage can be equally important.
Before hiring a company, request an itemized proposal showing the termite species, treatment method, measurement used for pricing, preparation requirements, monitoring schedule, warranty, retreatment policy, and any excluded structural repairs.