Termite Treatment Cost 2015

termite treatment cost

According to data from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Americans spend about $5 billion annually on termite treatment and repairing structural damage caused by these pests. Contrary to popular belief, termites can remain active throughout the year. As such, they can cause extensive structural damage within 12 months.Thankfully, termite treatment can help get rid of these pests before they cause serious damage, especially to structures made of wood. This article will focus on the cost of termite treatment in 2015.

Types of Termites

The US is home to about 50 termite species and they are found in all states expect Alaska (too cold for termites to thrive). Out of these, about 20 species could be classified as structural pests. With this in mind, there are three main types of structural termites.

• Subterranean termites

Subterranean termites tend to live underground and are common in south and southeastern parts of the US. An article published by the University of Florida's Entomology & Nematology department states that a colony of the subterranean termite species Coptotermes formosanus could contain several million individual ants.

• Drywood termites

The majority of drywood termites belong to the Kalotermitidae family. These termites are found in Hawaii, Mid-Atlantic States, along the Gulf Coast, and southwestern California. True to their name, these termites tend to infest dry wood products.

• Dampwood termites

Unlike drywood termites, dampwood termites infest decaying and moist wood. They are common in Northern California and Pacific Coast states. It is important to have a good grasp of this information because it does play a role in determining termite treatment costs.

Termite Treatment Cost

According to the results of a study published by homeadvisor.com, the average cost of termite treatment in the US is $553. Researchers involved in this study found that termite treatment expenses range from as low as $270 to as high as $837. Nevertheless, the cost of exterminating these pests can vary widely depending on factors like property square footage, nature and extent of termite infestation, as well as choice of termite treatment method. Here are some of the expenses you may come across.

• Inspection cost

Before the real work of exterminating termites begins, it is advisable to undertake a thorough inspection. The aim is to identify areas already infested by termites or areas that could be infested by the same pests in the future. To carry out a thorough inspection, a professional in the termite treatment industry must access every part of your home (interior and exterior) including the basement, attic, bathroom, garage, swimming pool, and lawn.The cost of such an inspection would range anywhere from $150 to $350. Nevertheless, some termite treatment companies undertake this inspection at no cost.

• Chemical extermination cost

In most parts of the country, termite exterminators quote their fees in linear footage terms when homeowners opt for chemical treatment. This means the higher the linear footage figure, the higher the cost of chemical treatment and vice versa. In simple words, linear footage is the distance around your home's perimeter. When measuring and calculating linear footage, remember to use the foot metric. Given this description, you can calculate how much you would pay a professional to get rid of termites that have infested your home. Measure the distance all around your home's foundation and multiply this figure with $4-$7.50 per linear foot. In general, the cost of chemical treatment ranges from $1,300 to $3,200 for residential properties ranging from 150 to 200 linear feet.

• Cost of termite fumigation

The cost of termite fumigation is based on the cubic footage of a property rather than linear footage as described above. If you choose this termite extermination method, expect to pay about $1,200 to $2,700. This figure can rise substantially to $2,200-$3,800 if "tenting" during fumigation is necessary. This technique is preferred in cases where inspection reveals extensive termite infestation. After fumigation, you may be required to stay away from your home for up to five days.

• Heat extermination cost

This termite extermination technique involves the use of heat and is the right choice if you do not fancy dealing with the lingering effects of chemicals. In addition, it is possible to compartmentalize heat extermination to a specific area or room instead of your entire home. Expect to part with about $1 per square foot if you choose this termite treatment method.

• Bait treatment

This method involves placing suitable bait in areas infested by termites. Bait treatment is the right choice if your home is in a humid area or near a large water body. The cost of bait treatment ranges from $1 to $1.5 per square foot.

Conclusion

To get rid of termites, hire a professional exterminator to destroy them. Exterminators typically use different methods including bait, chemical, fumigation and heat treatment to get rid of termites. For this work, expect costs to range from less than $1,000 to more than $3,500 depending on factors such as the square/linear footage and nature of termite infestation.