How much does termite treatment cost? [2024]

Do you have a termite problem, or do you suspect your home may be infested with termites?

If you live in a timber home or have timber elements in your home a termite infestation can cause many thousands of dollars of damage. If you suspect that termites are active around your home, you need to take steps to have them permanently removed. Termite prevention and control is a cost-effective alternative to repairing expensive damage later, but how much does termite control cost?

Unfortunately there is no quick answer as there are a variety of termite control options that vary depending on your location and the type of treatment you choose. Read this article to get an idea of termite control costs, including:

• How do I know I have termites?

• How can I prevent a termite infestation?

• Termite inspections and reports

• Termite control options

• How much does termite control cost?

• Getting quotes from termite control experts

How do I know I have termites?

Termites can gain access to your home via cracks in concrete slabs, through cavity walls or by using plumbing and electrical conduits. They can also enter through the soil.

Termites can quietly go about their business without you even knowing they're on your property, but there are some signs you should look out for:

• Clicking sounds in your walls or ceiling can indicate termite worker activity and feeding

• Timber windows or doors that have become hard to open

• Timber that sounds hollow when you tap it or has evidence of tunnelling 

• A powdery residue in or around timber may be termite droppings

Even if you don't see any visible evidence of termites, they may still be present. Left unchecked, they can do a tremendous amount of damage in a short time.

How can I prevent a termite infestation?

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to termite control. Following these simple steps should reduce the likelihood of termites setting up home on your property:

• Limit the amount of wood, timber and tree stumps you have on your property

• Eliminate or limit any moist or damp areas

• Lift wooden sheds off the ground

• Regularly monitor your property for evidence of termites

• Have a regular inspection of your property by a licensed pest control agent

• If your home has an existing chemical barrier around it through the soil to deter termites, the soil will need to be re-treated every five to ten years

• If you're building in a termite zone, add a pre-construction barrier to your timber-framed home

Only professional pest control experts have the expertise, training and equipment to carry out this sort of work. Termite control is a cost-effective investment in preserving your property and maintaining its value.

Termite inspections and reports

If you live in a high-risk termite area, it's recommended that you have regular termite inspections, monitoring and baiting. Having a regular termite inspection and report can put your mind at rest and alert you  to termite activity before it becomes serious. It will also give you an idea of the extent of an infestation.

Termite reports in Australia have been standardised to ensure all termite control experts adhere to AS:3660 Termite Control in Buildings regulations. All termite reports must include:

• The areas that have been inspected

• Details of the findings

• High risk areas

• Inaccessible areas

• Other details to fill in a complete picture of termite activity and damage

Termite control options

Once a termite inspection has been carried out, termite control experts will recommend a best course of action to remove existing termites and prevent future infestation. This may involve the use of:

• Temporary chemical applications like sprays

• Baits and traps

• Structural and physical barriers

If there is visible evidence of termites, an initial termite baiting program might be advisable. In many cases, this will be all it takes to eradicate an entire colony of termites. However, if you begin with termite baiting, you may be in danger of further infestation.

Termites can have a network of tunnels they travel through to reach a central nest up to 100 metres from their food sources, so it's important to close off this access. Soil treatment with special termiticides can keep termites away from your home for the long term.

Some other techniques termite control experts use include:

• Trenching to treat soil around a concrete pier or foundation

• Rod injection to deep-treat soil around the perimeter of the home

• Concrete drilling and rod injection to treat soil underneath a large concrete slab such as a patio

How much does termite control cost?

The extent of your termite problem and the techniques used to solve it will impact on the price you pay. Here are some ballpark costs for specific types of termite treatments and control:

• Termite treatment with a spray, dust or foam may cost between $300 to $1,000 depending on the extent of the infestation. Sprays are the cheaper option, with foam the most expensive. These are all short-term control options, and will have to be repeated, usually every 6 months.

• Termite baiting costs around $2500 to $3500 and must be repeated at a cost of around $800. This is an effective long-term treatment option, but does cost more.

• Soil treatment is the longest lasting way to keep termites away from your home. This can cost between $2500 and $3500, but it won't have to be repeated as frequently. This is another long-term treatment option.

• A termite barrier will cost you from $70 per sq. metre, so from $1,800 to $5,000, depending on the size of your home. This method involves laying a chemical around the perimeter of your home, and is an effective long-term treatment.

• If you are buying or selling a property, expect to pay in the region of $250 for a pre-purchase pest inspection and $300-$600 for a combined building and pest inspection. This pricing will vary depending where you live and the size of the property.

Read more: How much does pest control cost?

Getting quotes from termite control experts

Before you hire a business, make sure you get quotes from local termite control experts. Be as thorough as possible in describing the type or types of pests and the extent of the problem. If there are access problems, mention these - and check what they include as part of their service. 

You should also check that their treatment plan is compliant with Australian Standard AS 3660, that the work comes with a warranty and they are qualified and licensed to work in your home. Most reputable services will offer a money-back guarantee to give you peace of mind.