Fumigation Cost
Fumigation Cost: If you suspect you have a termite infestation, you may be anxious to get the problem under control ASAP.
We’ve got good news for you though, so take a deep breath! Termites work slowly.
So don’t worry about your home falling down overnight or anything.
This also means you’ve got time to shop around for quotes and weigh your options.
But is that $5,000 all-star treatment worth it, or can you get by on $50 worth of termite bait that you pick up at your local store?
We’ve done the research and we’ve got you covered on what you can expect to spend here, and what’s actually worth it.
How much does it cost to hire a pro to remove termites from a house?
Fumigation Cost
Expect to spend $300-900 for an average infestation.
If you catch the problem early and you don’t live in a huge house.
It shouldn’t be too expensive for an exterminator to handle the problem.
Most basic treatments will run a few hundred bucks, and the national average is $520.
It’s not cheap, but considering the fact that termite damage can cost thousands to repair, it’s worth it!
- These cheaper treatments will typically involve micro-treatments with termiticide powders, liquid spot treatments, and bait stations. This is usually enough to take care of smaller infestations.
Fumigation Cost
It can run up to $5,000 if the infestation is large and/or your home is spacious.
If you’ve got a big home and the termites have set up shop in the foundation and walls, it’s going to be a bit pricier.
If the infestation is truly out of hand, expect to spend roughly $2,800 to treat your home.
If you’ve got a huge home and the termites have been eating away at the wood for years, your costs may extend up to $5,000.
- It takes much less time and way less insecticide to treat a smaller 1,000 sq ft (93 m2) ranch-style home. If you’ve got a big 3,000 sq ft (280 m2) multi-level home, or the termites have really swarmed your walls, it will take a lot more work and material to handle the infestation. It just depends on the size of the job.
- These higher-end treatments may include fumigation or heat treatment. In some cases, it could include tenting, which is where your home is covered in a tarp and pumped full of termiticide.
- You may need to stay with a friend or move into a hotel for a few days while these treatments are carried out.
Does the type of termite impact the cost of removal?
Yes, but it’s generally not a big difference unless they’re subterranean termites.
There are three main types of termite: dampwood, drywood, and subterranean.
Dampwood termites prefer moist wood and are often found in walls and floors near leaks.
Drywood termites seek out drier wood, often in walls and attics.
Subterranean termites are a little more expensive (and serious) to remove because they dig underground.
And they can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation if they’re left untreated.
- It’s generally going to be difficult for you to determine what type of termite you have without hiring a pro to take a look.
What should I look for in an exterminator?
Ask them about the different services and warranties they offer.
Some exterminators will offer 1- to 2-year warranties where, if the termites show up again, they’ll treat it for free.
Other companies will provide free checkups, or return for inspections every 6 months or so.
That stuff fetches a premium. When you’re getting quotes, ask each company what goes into their pricing—they’ll break down what you’re paying for ahead of time.
- Make sure that whichever company you choose is licensed with your state and city. Unlicensed exterminators will definitely be cheaper, but they may not solve the problem permanently. It’s better to pay a little more to know the job is done right!
- Termites work slowly. While this is absolutely something you should deal with soon, it’s not a problem that needs to be addressed this very second. You have some time here. Feel free to shop around and get some quotes to find a deal!
Can I treat termites myself?
If the termites are attacking your home, hire a pro.
Termites can do serious damage to a structure, and treating the problem requires specific knowledge that you probably don’t have.
Exterminators are trained professionals who will know what type of termiticide they should use, how much they need to use, and where they need to put it.
Since the outcome can be disastrous and the job requires certain skills, you’re better off hiring a pro.
- It’s also just very hard for a layman to know how bad the problem is.
- A professional will be able to assess the damage accurately to determine what kind of infestation you have on your hand.
- The pros also have access to industrial-strength insecticides and tools that will treat the issue much faster than whatever you have access to at the home improvement store.
Fumigation Cost
You can try treating it yourself if the termites aren’t in your home.
In these cases, feel free to give it a shot yourself! You’ve got a few options at your disposal here:
- Bait stations. These are effective at wiping out colonies, but they can take a while to work.
- You simply leave the stations inside and outside of your house.
- Expect to pay roughly $30 for a set of 15 stations.
- Boric acid. This is a less toxic option, but it will take longer than bait stations. You use a duster to spray the acid directly into cracks and crevices where the termites have decided to set up. It may take multiple applications. Expect to spend $15 for 5 lb (2.3 kg) bag.
- Diatomaceous earth. This stuff is totally non-toxic, but it’s a bit pricier and not quite as effective. You apply it the same way you apply boric acid. Expect to pay roughly $20 for a 10 lb (4.5 kg) bag.
How hard is it to get rid of termites?
If you call a pro, the problem should be solved in a few days.
Termites can be scary, but as far as potential invaders can go, termites are among the easier to remove.
If you hire a reputable, licensed exterminator, they should be able to get rid of the infestation quickly.
Even if your home needs to be tented because the problem is really out of hand.
It shouldn’t take more than a week on the high end.
- If you go DIY, it could range from easy-as-pie to near-impossible.
- There’s just no way for a regular Jane or Joe to know if they’ve totally killed the colony since termites often hide out inside of the wood in your walls or floors.
Are termite barriers worth it?
Physical barriers on their own probably aren’t worth it.
Termites can get into really tiny openings, and the physical barriers that are installed along foundations are good, but they aren’t that good.
Generally speaking, this kind of thing is a good supplemental form of protection, but it’s not a permanent solution.
- These can cost thousands of dollars to install, so in most cases, it’s probably not going to be worth it if you don’t already have one.
- However, if you have more than enough money to cover the costs and you want extra peace of mind, go for it!
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Fumigation Cost
Chemical barriers are good, but they aren’t 100% effective.
Chemical barriers refer to treatments where a pest control expert coats the exterior of your house in an impenetrable barrier.
While the barriers do work, it’s possible for termites to find gaps and enter your building anyway.
They also need to be reapplied regularly.
It might be worth it to you to have the extra layer of protection, but just know they aren’t perfect.
- It will generally run you $1,000-3,500 for a chemical barrier.
- These are typically good for 1-10 years depending on what kind of barrier you choose.