Termite Control: The Complete Guide
Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year in the U.S., and most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the damage. This guide covers how to identify termites, how to spot the early signs of an infestation, which treatment methods work, and how to prevent them from returning.
If you suspect an active infestation, start with: How to Get Rid of Termites.
How to Identify Termites
Termites are often confused with flying ants, but they are very different pests. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and four wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist, and wings of unequal length. Subterranean termites (the most destructive species) build mud tubes on foundations and crawl spaces to travel from soil to wood.
Our guide to what does a termite look like covers the physical differences, and flying ants vs termites is the most common misidentification. For the warning signs, signs of termites covers what to look for, and signs of termites in your home covers the full inspection process.
How to Treat a Termite Infestation
Termite treatment is not a DIY project. The three main professional methods are liquid soil treatment (a barrier of termiticide around the foundation), bait stations (which use slow-acting poison that termites carry back to the colony), and fumigation (for severe drywood or Formosan termite infestations).
Our guide to soil treatment for termites covers the barrier method, and subterranean termites treatment covers the most destructive species. If you need to know when fumigation is required, termite fumigation covers the process and cost. For the bait method, best termite bait stations covers the options.
How to Prevent Termites
Prevention starts at the foundation. Keep soil away from wood siding and trim (at least 6 inches), fix leaks and grade soil so water drains away from the house, and eliminate wood-to-ground contact. Do not store firewood against the house. Schedule an annual professional inspection.
Our guide to termite prevention covers the full list, and eco-friendly termite prevention methods covers natural options. For costs, termite inspection cost explains what to expect.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a professional immediately if you see mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings. Termite damage is rarely covered by insurance, and delays make the damage worse. Professional treatment typically costs $500–$2,500 depending on the method.
For costs, see factors that determine the price of termite treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do termites eat treated wood?
They avoid it, but do not always. See do flying termites eat wood.
What is the best termite killer?
Professional termiticides like Termidor are the most effective. See best termite killer.
Are there home remedies for termites?
There are DIY options, but they are rarely effective against an established colony. See home remedy for termites.