The short version
Termites are wood-destroying insects that cause billions in damage annually. Look for mud tubes, hollow wood, and swarmers. Professional treatment is essential for long-term control.
- Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year in the US.
- Most homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage.
- Spring is peak swarming season for subterranean termites, especially March to May.
- Liquid soil treatments and bait stations are the most common professional solutions.
- A termite colony can persist for decades and contain millions of individuals.
For homeowners, real estate agents, property managers, and landlords who need to identify termite activity, understand treatment options, and know how to prevent infestations. If you're buying or selling a home, you'll also learn about termite inspection requirements and how to negotiate repairs or treatments.
What to look for
Most homeowners don't realize that termite damage is almost never covered by standard insurance policies. That means the cost of repairs often comes out of pocket. An infestation can also derail a real estate transaction if a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection reveals active termites or previous damage. Termites are not just a nuisance; they are a serious financial threat. The Formosan subterranean termite, found primarily along the Gulf Coast, is especially aggressive and can destroy a home's wooden structure in a matter of months. Even common subterranean termites can chew through support beams, flooring, and drywall, compromising the safety of your home.
- 1Mud tubes on foundation walls, floor joists, or crawlspace piers.
- 2Discarded wings near windowsills or doors (swarmers).
- 3Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
- 4Buckling paint or tiny pinholes in drywall.
- 5Frass (termite droppings) that look like small pellets.
- 6Sagging floors or ceilings.
- 7Visible, papery wings or dead termites near light sources.
Why it’s worth acting soon
- Structural weakening that can lead to collapse.
- Increased repair costs (up to 10x if untreated).
- Difficulty selling your home without a clean WDO report.
- Spread to adjacent buildings or neighboring properties.
- Potential health hazards from mold in damaged wood.
costs U.S. homeowners billions of dollars a yearTermite damageUSDA Treatment options and typical costs
Liquid Soil Treatment
$1,200-$2,500
A chemical barrier is applied to the soil around the foundation to repel or kill termites. This is a long-lasting solution for subterranean termites.
- Time
- Lasts 5-10 years with proper application
- Best for
- Preventive treatment or active subterranean infestations
Bait Station System
$1,500-$3,000
In-ground stations are placed around the property to attract termites, which then share poison with the colony. This method is less invasive and eco-friendly.
- Time
- Ongoing monitoring; bait replacement every few months
- Best for
- Long-term colony elimination and prevention
Wood Treatment
$500-$1,200
Borate-based sprays are applied directly to exposed wood. This is a targeted treatment for localized infestations.
- Time
- Lasts 1-2 years if protected from moisture
- Best for
- Small, accessible infestations or new construction
Fumigation (Tenting)
$2,000-$8,000
The entire structure is sealed and filled with gas to eliminate drywood termites. This is a last resort for severe, hard-to-reach infestations.
- Time
- 2-3 days, then 24-hour aeration
- Best for
- Drywood termites in large or multi-story homes
Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.
A slow leak under a sink keeps the wood damp, and damp wood is exactly what termites are looking for.Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites: Key Differences.
Identifying the species is crucial because treatment methods differ: subterranean termites are best controlled with soil treatments or baits, while drywood termites often require fumigation or spot treatments. They are more common in coastal regions like California, Florida, and Hawaii. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live inside the wood they eat and do not require soil contact. They are the most common type in the US, especially in warmer climates. Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood above ground.
The Termite Life Cycle and Swarming Behavior.
A termite colony starts with a king and queen. If you see swarmers inside your home, it likely means an established colony is present. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants. In the South, swarms can happen as early as February; in the North, they may peak in May. Swarming typically occurs in spring after rain, when temperatures warm up. Workers gather food (wood), soldiers defend the colony, and alates (winged termites) swarm to start new colonies. The queen can lay thousands of eggs per day.
Subterranean termites don't stop in winter; they just go deeper. A quiet season is a good time for a non-urgent inspection.Real Estate Transactions and Termite Inspections.
The inspection covers visible areas of the structure and can reveal active infestations, previous damage, or things that attract termites like wood-to-ground contact. Lenders often mandate a termite clearance letter before closing. In many states, a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection is required for home sales. As a buyer, having an inspection contingency protects you from inheriting a costly problem. As a seller, getting a pre-listing inspection can prevent last-minute surprises. If termites are found, the buyer and seller must negotiate who pays for treatment and repairs.
What affects the price
- Type and extent of infestation.
- Size of the property (square footage).
- Construction type (crawlspace, slab, or basement).
- Geographic region (higher in South and Southeast).
- Accessibility (crawlspaces vs. finished spaces).
- Treatment method chosen.
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What is your biggest concern about termites?
When to call for help
DIY treatments are rarely effective for active infestations. If you see any signs of termites — mud tubes, swarmers, or damaged wood — call a licensed pest control professional immediately. A professional inspection is also required during real estate transactions.
What you can do yourself
Products like foam sprays or borate rods are available. However, most termite problems are more extensive than they appear. Subterranean termites have colonies underground that can contain millions of individuals. Professional treatments use specialized equipment and pesticides that are not available to consumers. A professional also provides a warranty — if termites return, they retreat under the company’s written re-treatment terms. In the long run, professional service is more cost-effective and reliable. DIY termite control may work for very small, localized infestations of drywood termites if you can directly treat the wood.
Where you live matters
Annual inspections are recommended, especially in high-risk zones. Regardless of location, any home with wood in contact with soil is at risk. The Midwest sees moderate activity, with swarms in spring. In the Northeast, subterranean termites are common but less aggressive. The Pacific Northwest has lower termite risk due to cooler temperatures, but drywood termites are a concern in Southern California. In the Southeast and Gulf Coast, the Formosan subterranean termite is a major threat, with year-round activity. Termite pressure varies significantly across the US. In Termite Identification, if you have photos or a rough timeline of when the problem started, share them, because those details help the provider confirm what is going on and give you a more accurate scope and price. In Termite Identification, a little preparation usually makes the visit more useful: clear access to the areas where you have seen activity, put away loose items, and note anything you have noticed recently. In Termite Identification, getting the scope, the prep steps, and any follow-up terms in writing makes it much easier to compare providers fairly, and a good provider will walk you through each of these without pressure. In Termite Identification, before you book, ask whether the inspection is included, what the treatment plan covers, how many visits to expect, and what the written quote includes. A local provider who knows Termite Identification can point out the specific things that matter most here before you commit to a plan. In Termite Identification, checking the usual entry points, moisture spots, and sheltered areas near the structure usually turns up the conditions that are letting them in. The most useful first step in Termite Identification is to note where you have seen termites activity and when it appears, so an inspection is faster and the quote more accurate.
Simple ways to keep termites away
- Eliminate moisture around the foundation; fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage.
- Keep woodpiles, lumber, and debris away from the house.
- Seal cracks in concrete foundations and around utility lines.
- Install a termite barrier during new construction or renovations.
- Use treated wood for any ground-contact structures.
- Schedule annual termite inspections, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
- Reduce mulch depth near the foundation; use gravel instead.
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?
A single termite colony can last for decades and hold millions of termites.
Termites can't digest wood on their own. Microbes in their gut do it for them.
Formosan termite colonies are far larger than native ones and eat wood much faster.
Questions people ask
What do termites look like?
Swarmers have two pairs of equal-length wings. Workers are white or cream-colored, while soldiers have large mandibles. Termites are small, pale insects with straight antennae and thick waists.
How can I tell termites from ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and equal-length wings. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and front wings longer than back wings.
Do termites bite humans?
They only eat wood and paper products. Soldier termites may try to bite if handled, but it is rare and harmless. Termites do not bite humans or pets.
Will termites go away on their own?
Termite colonies do not die out naturally unless the queen dies. They will continue to grow and cause damage indefinitely without treatment. No.
How long does a termite treatment last?
Wood treatments last 1-2 years. Fumigation is a one-time treatment with no residual protection. Liquid soil treatments typically last 5-10 years. Bait systems require ongoing monitoring.
Is a termite inspection required to sell a house?
In many states, a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection is required for real estate transactions. Even if not required, buyers often request one as a contingency.
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY treatments are only effective for very small, visible infestations. For most cases, professional treatment is necessary because the colony is hidden and requires specialized equipment and pesticides.
How do I know if I have termites or ants?
In Termite Identification, termites are best caught early through inspection, because the damage is hidden inside wood until it is far along. In Termite Identification, 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.
Sources (11)
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