The short version
Most termite problems in Reno are western subterranean termites, and the usual fix is a liquid soil treatment or bait stations. Start with an inspection; $75–$250 is typical.
- Look for mud tubes, shed wings and hollow-sounding wood.
- Swarms usually show up in spring.
- The usual fix is a soil barrier or bait stations.
- An inspection typically costs $75–$250.
- Insurance usually doesn’t cover termite damage.
Homeowners, landlords and anyone buying or selling a house in Reno, whether you've spotted something or just want to know what to watch for.
What to look for
Termites work quietly. A colony can feed inside a wall for years. Winter lows around Reno average near 23°F, so termites retreat deeper into the soil, though colonies under heated basements can stay active all winter. Spongy floors or bubbling paint usually mean long-running damage. So it's worth an inspection, even for one or two signs.
- 1Buckling laminate or warped hardwood flooring.
- 2Small kick-out holes in exposed wood.
- 3Blistered or bubbling paint on wood surfaces.
- 4Discarded wings caught in spider webs.
- 5Tiny pinholes in drywall rimmed with mud.
- 6Termite tubes hanging down from ceilings or joists.
Why it’s worth acting soon
- Colonies grow and spread every year they go untreated.
- Damage hides behind drywall, flooring and trim.
- Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover termite damage.
- An active infestation can complicate a home sale.
Treatment options and typical costs
Termite Inspection and WDI Report
$75–$250
The inspector checks the foundation, garage, attic and damp spots. Bring up anything you’ve noticed.
- Time
- 60–120 minutes
- Best for
- Every job, real estate closings, and yearly peace of mind
Annual Renewal and Monitoring
$150–$400 per year
Ask what a renewal in Reno actually includes, and whether it covers retreatment or repairs. A retreatment-only plan is common; damage repair coverage costs more.
- Time
- 30–60 minutes per visit
- Best for
- Keeping a treated home protected after the initial job
Localized Wood, Foam, and Borate Treatment
$250–$1,500
When termites are limited to one wall or window frame, a technician can treat that wood directly; drywood termites, common around Reno, often show up exactly this way. Foam expands into voids, and borate soaks into bare lumber.
- Time
- 1–3 hours
- Best for
- Small drywood spots, wall voids, and exposed framing
Bait Station System with Monitoring
$1,500–$3,500 install, plus $300–$500 per year
Instead of a chemical barrier, baiting in Reno removes the colony itself. Stations are checked on a schedule, commonly quarterly, and refilled.
- Time
- 2–4 hours to install; checked quarterly
- Best for
- Colony elimination, wells and slabs, homes near water
Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.
Cardboard boxes stacked on a garage slab are termite food sitting right on their doorstep. Keep storage on shelves.Which termites live around Reno.
The termite you're most likely to meet in Reno is the western subterranean termite. It nests in soil and builds mud tubes to reach wood. It needs steady moisture.
Local termites conditions in Reno.
Reno sits in a semi-arid climate, and that sets the pace for termite activity here: spring swarm season (March-May), warmer earlier in the south. In Reno, the area is mostly urban, so termites pressure can differ from one block to the next depending on how tight the entry points are and how much food, water, or shelter is close by. An inspection in Reno usually starts outside and works inward, checking the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and any moisture or clutter near the structure first. Knowing Reno's seasonal timing lets you schedule treatment before the busy stretch rather than after it, which usually means faster service and a more accurate quote. A provider who works Reno and Nevada every day can point out the specific conditions that matter most here, and getting the scope, price, and follow-up terms in writing makes it easier to compare options.
Subterranean termites don't stop in winter; they just go deeper. A quiet season is a good time for a non-urgent inspection.When termites swarm here.
Swarm season is when termites show themselves. In Reno, western subterranean termites usually swarm in spring, and again in fall after the first good rain. A swarm outside means a colony is nearby. A swarm inside usually means it's in the house. Save a few in a bag, or snap a clear photo.
Where to look around your house.
Many homes in Reno sit on concrete slabs, so termites come up through expansion joints, plumbing gaps and settlement cracks. Check the garage edges and behind baseboards. Look where pipes come through the floor. Outside, watch for mud tubes behind shrubs. Keep soil and mulch below the slab edge. The same advice applies across the area, from Reno out to Sparks and Carson City.
A year of termites in Reno.
- Spring and fall: swarm seasons. In Reno, swarms often follow the first warm days and the first fall rain. - Summer: with highs around 91°F in Reno, termites follow moisture, so watch AC drain lines, sprinkler zones and hose bibs. - Fall: with about 7 inches of rain a year in Reno, make sure gutters and downspouts carry water well away from the foundation. - Winter: a good time to book an inspection in Reno, before swarm season starts.
What happens at an inspection.
Most inspections take an hour or two. The inspector walks the outside of the house first. They check the foundation, the soil line and nearby wood. Inside, they check the garage, baseboards, plumbing gaps and the attic. On a slab, they focus on joints, cracks and pipe gaps. A moisture meter and a probe help them find hidden activity. Afterward, ask them to show you what they found. Photos help.
Termites or ants?
- Wings: termite wings are all the same length. Ant wings aren’t. - Waist: termites are thick through the middle. Ants are pinched. - Antennae: termite antennae are straight. Ant antennae bend like an elbow. - Debris: termites leave mud. Carpenter ants leave sawdust. - Tunnels: termite galleries are packed with mud. Ant tunnels are clean and smooth.
Getting ready for treatment day.
Soil treatments and bait stations need little prep. Clear a path along the outside walls. Move stored boxes away from garage walls. Mark sprinkler heads and any buried lines. Keep pets and kids inside while the crew works outside. Ask how long to stay off treated soil. Any drill holes in a slab or patio get patched.
Mulch and termites.
Keep mulch thin and pull it back from the foundation. A dry strip along the house lets you spot mud tubes. Wood chips right against siding hold moisture termites like.
Questions to ask before you sign.
- Which termites did you find, and where? - What product or system will you use? - Is the whole foundation treated, or just one spot? - What does the warranty cover, and for how long? - What does the yearly renewal cost? - What do I need to do before and after treatment?
What affects the price
- Species: subterranean, drywood, or Formosan.
- Warranty type: retreatment only or damage repair.
- Extent of existing damage needing repair.
- Number of bait stations required.
- Liquid barrier versus bait station system.
- Local labor rates and licensing requirements.
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What's your biggest concern about termites?
When to call for help
Call if you see mud tubes, pellets or an indoor swarm. Hollow-sounding wood is another clue. Buying or selling? Get a wood-destroying insect (WDI) report either way. Lenders often ask for one. It's also the cheapest termite service. Carpenter ants leave clean tunnels and sawdust. Termites leave mud.
What you can do yourself
Some of the work is yours. Pull mulch back from the foundation. Fix leaks and clear gutters. Keep firewood away from the house. Treating an active colony is harder. The product has to reach the whole colony. It also needs even coverage around the entire foundation. Store-bought sprays usually kill only the termites you see.
Termites in Reno
Reno only sees about 7 inches of rain a year, so local termites gather wherever water collects, like sprinkler zones, hose bibs and AC drain lines. Termites are a steady, moderate risk in Nevada. Not every house gets them, but plenty do. With summer highs around 91°F, Reno's semi-arid climate decides when local termites are busiest. A typical home in Reno is worth around $530k, which puts a few hundred dollars for an inspection and prevention in perspective.
Local research
Termites in Reno, NV: what the public record shows
Before you compare quotes, it helps to know which termites actually live in Nevada, when they are busiest around Reno, and what the state figures look like. Everything below links to the agency or university page it came from.
When termites are busiest around Reno
July–September (desert subterranean, late afternoon/evening with summer rains); summer–fall (drywood). UC IPM: 'Heterotermes aureus flies in the late afternoon or early evening in July, August, and September', which coincides with the Southwest monsoon months. Arizona Extension lists Heterotermes aureus as an 'important structural pest' and notes drywood species Incisitermes minor and Marginitermes hubbardi in the desert Southwest. Drywood swarmers appear 'during daytime hours during summer and fall'.
Based on Reno’s semi-arid climate profile.
Sources: University of Georgia Extension; University of Missouri Extension. Figures are quoted as the source prints them. How we check our sources
Simple ways to keep termites away
- Repair rotting trim, fascia, and window frames.
- Ventilate crawl spaces and control humidity.
- Fix leaking hose bibs, faucets, and pipes promptly.
- Install a vapor barrier over crawl space soil.
- Trim shrubs so foundation walls stay visible and dry.
- Use borate-treated or pressure-treated lumber for repairs.
Compare quotes line by line: the areas treated, the product, the warranty and the renewal fee. The lowest total isn't always the best deal.Did you know?
In Reno, termites are closer cousins to cockroaches than to ants, despite the old nickname white ants.
In Reno, soldier termites can't feed themselves, so the workers feed them mouth to mouth.
Questions people ask
Do I need a termite inspection when buying a house?
Usually, yes. Many lenders ask for a wood-destroying insect (WDI) report. Either way, it's cheap peace of mind. Ask your agent when it's due.
How do I choose a termite company?
Make sure they're licensed in Nevada. Ask which termites they found and what product they'll use. Ask what the warranty covers. Compare the proposals, not just the totals.
Can I treat termites myself?
Prevention, yes. An active colony is harder. The product must reach the whole colony. It also needs even coverage around the foundation. Store-bought sprays usually kill only what you see.
Are mud tubes always a sign of active termites?
Not always. Old tubes can stay on a wall for years. Break off a piece and check back in a week. If it's rebuilt, they're active.
How do I know if I have termites or ants?
In Reno, termites are best caught early through inspection, because the damage is hidden inside wood until it is far along. In Reno, a professional inspection looks for mud tubes, damaged wood, and swarming activity, and treatment targets the soil and the colony rather than just the visible wood.
How often does a termite treatment need a callback?
Rarely, according to the professionals themselves. For a homeowner, a 1.8% average callback rate, as professionals reported in PCT magazine's 2025 termite market report (about 145 pest-control professionals, 2024 operations), suggests return visits after termite treatment are uncommon. Before work starts in Reno, ask how many visits are included and what happens if the termites come back.
Are termites common in Nevada?
Around Reno, the usual culprit is the western subterranean termite.
Nearby cities
Related guides
Sources (9)
The facts in this article come from the public sources listed above. Every home is different, so ask the company you talk to about pricing and what’s included. Published by Termite Exterminator · Updated September 11, 2026 · How we write these guides