How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?

Termite Treatment Cost Guide for Homeowners

Termites. Just hearing that word is enough to send shivers down a homeowner’s spine. These silent destroyers can decimate the structural integrity of your house before you even realize they’ve moved in. But you’ve spotted some suspicious signs and want to act quickly. The big question is, how much is this going to set you back?

Treatment costs can be all over the map depending on the size of your house, the extent of the termite infestation, and the method of treatment used. The good news? Arming yourself with information can help you get an accurate estimate and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the common signs of termites, what to expect from an inspection, the estimated costs of different treatment options, and tips for prevention and maintenance. Let’s start by looking at what clues these tricky insects often leave behind.

Detecting Signs of Termites

Catching an infestation early is key to minimizing treatment costs. Here are some telltale signs that termites may have invaded your home:

• Mud tubes – Small tunnels of dried mud running up foundation walls or pillars. Termites construct these to travel between their colony and food sources.
• Hollow sounding wood – Tap on doors, floors, trim or studs. Termite damaged wood has a hollow, almost papery sound.
• Piles of wings – Swarmer’s emerging from mature colonies leave detached wings behind. These resemble tiny shrimp shells.
• Cracked paint or drywall – Termites burrow behind veneers, causing bulges or cracks as they eat the underlying timber.

If you suspect termite activity, an inspection by a licensed pest professional is the next step.

Understanding Inspection Costs

A professional termite inspection typically costs $150-$300 for the average Adelaide home. Here’s what’s included:

• Visual examination – The inspector looks for signs like mud tubes and damaged wood. For a thorough inspection, furnishings and stored items may need to be moved.
• Moisture meter assessment – High moisture levels can attract termites. Your inspector will check for any leaks.
• Probing – Using a tool called a screwdriver, the inspector tests wood in walls, floors and foundations for areas that have been hollowed out by termite.
• Report – At the end of the inspection you’ll receive a written report summarizing the findings and any recommended treatments.

If evidence of an active infestation is found, the inspector may do thermal imaging to map out the extent of damage. This comprehensive termite management will cost more, from $450-$650.

Treatment Costs: Eradication Options

Now let’s talk treatment costs. There are a few approaches professional pest companies may use to eliminate termites and prevent future infestations:

Liquid Barrier Treatments

$1,200-$2,500

This involves digging trenches around the foundation and injecting an insecticidal liquid to create a chemical barrier against termites. A professional will access foundation walls and the slab beneath the home. Costs depend on factors like the size of your home and how much excavation is required.

Expect to pay:

• Small home (<1,000 sqm) – $1,200-$1,500
• Medium home (1,000-2,000 sqm) – $1,600-$2,000
• Large home (>2,000 sqm) – $2,000-2,500

Annual renewal treatments are recommended and these cost $200-$500.

Termite Baits

$1,500-$2,500 for initial installation

There are two main types of termite baiting systems used to get rid of termites:

Above ground stations – These are installed around the exterior of the home. Termites take poisoned bait back to the nest, killing off the colony.

In-ground bait stakes – Stakes are embedded around the foundation/slab. As termites feed, the bait disseminates through their network.

A typical home will need 10-20 bait stations at $90-$150 each. Installation, monitoring and maintenance is included in the costs. Baits require less chemicals but do take longer to eliminate infestations than liquid barriers.

Tenting & Fumigation

$4,000-$8,000

This is done when there is widespread, severe damage. It involves covering the entire house with a tented structure and pumping in pressurized fumigant gas to permeate the wood and kill termites. The home must be vacated during the process.

Costs range from:

• Small home – $4,000-$5,000
• Medium home – $5,500-$7,000
• Large home – $7,500-$8,000

Fumigation offers full eradication but cannot provide any lasting protection from re-infestation.

Heat Treatments

$5,000-$8,000

As an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals and fumigation, heat treatments gradually raise temperatures to ~135°F, which is lethal for termites. Giant heaters and fans circulate hot air through the home for 1-2 days.

Because it penetrates hard-to-reach areas, heat can eliminate termites in a single treatment with low risk of rebound. Expect to pay:

• Small home – $5,000-$6,000
• Medium home – $6,500-$7,500
• Large home – $7,500-$8,000

Additional Cost Considerations

Beyond the basic treatment expenses, there are a few other factors that can impact your total costs:

• Insurance coverage – Homeowner’s insurance may cover a portion of treatment. However, claims often depend on the extent of damage and when it likely first began.
• Warranties – Termite contracts should include warranties of at least 1 year, some up to 10 years. Longer warranties may have an annual renewal fee but offer protection should termites return.
• DIY vs. professionals – Attempting termite eradication as a DIY project is not advisable. The expertise and tools of a licensed pest control operator gives the best chance for eliminating termites and preventing ongoing issues.
• Accessibility – Treatment costs can be higher for houses that require extra time to access foundation walls and crawlspaces.

Preventing Termites

Here are some tips to help avoid termite headaches down the road:

• Eliminate soil contact around the home’s exterior by clearing debris and proper grading.
• Repair leaky plumbing, gutters, or AC units that allow moisture accumulation.
• Ventilate damp areas like crawlspaces and unfinished basements. Dehumidifiers can help.
• Use treated lumber or non-cellulose materials like concrete or steel for under-home supports.
• Have a professional apply a liquid termite barrier around the foundation.
• Schedule annual termite inspections so any signs can be caught and addressed early.

Conclusion

While the costs of termite treatment can be daunting, excellent pest control solutions exist in Adelaide to eradicate these destructive critters and prevent future headaches. Being vigilant in monitoring for signs like mud tubes and wood damage allows early action.

Most houses can be treated for $2,000-$3,500, depending on the size of the property and the method used. Fumigation and heat treatments may cost more for widespread problems. It is wise to obtain multiple quotes to compare average costs and contracts. Also, remember to check if any termite damage may be covered by your insurance provider.

By taking proactive steps to keep termites away, you can avoid untold damage to your home’s structure and keep costly infestations at bay. Acting quickly at the first sign of trouble will help limit the treatment expenses as well. Here’s to keeping your home free from those harmful hidden invaders and having peace of mind!