Termite treatment is essential for keeping your home free from damage, but many homeowners wonder how long one treatment will last. With the average cost of termite treatment ranging from $700 to $2,000 nationally, it’s reasonable to be concerned about how long treatments will keep termites away. The answer varies depending on several factors, including the type of termite treatment, external environmental factors, and follow-up pest control services.
We’ll look into how long termite treatments last in general. We’ll also discuss the types of treatment and which options and products perform best over time.
Average Length of Termite Treatments
On average, termite treatment lasts for about five years, though treatments applied directly to wood may last for up to 10. Termite bait stations, on the other hand, last for a maximum of one year and must be maintained annually. However, both will help you get rid of termites.
Liquid Barrier Treatments
Liquid pesticide barriers typically keep subterranean termites away for five years. For this treatment, a termite specialist will dig a trench around the perimeter of your home and apply liquid termiticide to it. This will prevent subterranean termites from traveling into your home.
That’s not to say that termites will never find their way across the barrier, even in five years. It’s possible that some could still get into your home if there are gaps in the chemical barrier. Annual termite inspections can help to prevent this risk.
Direct Wood Treatments
Drywood termites, which live in the wood they eat, can’t be exterminated with an indoor liquid barrier. Instead, they must be controlled with bait or with termiticides applied directly to wood. Pest control specialists drill into the wood and inject pesticide into the termite tunnels, killing them.
Lumber can also be treated before it’s used in construction, though termiticide is only applied to the surface of the wood in this case. Surface treatments will only last for about five years, while injections can prevent termites for up to 10 years.
Termite Bait Stations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that termite baits have gained popularity in recent years as a less-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides. However, they take longer to work and must be monitored and maintained throughout the year. A specialist will place baits strategically around your property. Termites take the bait back to their colonies, infecting other termites in the process.
It could take months for termites to come across the bait stations, and eliminating the colony may take longer. Additionally, bait stations don’t leave behind pesticides to act as a preventive treatment to keep future infestations away.
Gas Fumigation
Fumigation with gaseous termiticide, also known as tenting, is drastic and expensive but highly effective. This pest control method is usually only recommended for very large or hard-to-treat infestations since you’ll have to leave your home for one to three days. Pest control professionals will then cover the entire structure with a tent and blast the interior with powerful termiticides.
This process is most effective against drywood termites since subterranean termites can simply flee to outdoor nests. When it works, tenting lasts for at least five years. Like barrier treatments, this must be accompanied by routine inspections to check for stragglers.
What Factors Affect How Long Termite Treatments Last?
The longevity of a termite treatment depends on several factors beyond just the type of treatment.
Type of Termite
Subterranean termites and drywood termites are the most common types of termites that act as pests. Subterranean termites live in the soil around houses and build tunnel networks to access their food—the wood that your house is made of. Drywood termites, on the other hand, tunnel within your wood and nest there. These two types usually require different treatments.
Degree of Infestation
The larger the termite colony, the longer it will take to eradicate. You may need to try several different types of treatments with increasing intensity. The level of expertise your termite specialist has could also have a big influence since it will determine how complete the application is.
Home Environment
Your home’s setup contributes to the longevity of the treatment. A termite specialist will need to access all the wood components of your home. If these elements are inaccessible or harder to treat, the service won’t be effective for as long.
Importance of Regular Termite Inspections
According to Orkin, termite damage affects approximately 600,000 U.S. homes every year, and an infestation can cost thousands of dollars, even when caught early. To protect against this damage, we recommend yearly termite inspections, especially for homeowners in environments prone to termite infestations, such as warm, moist, or wooded areas. Early detection provides greater savings since there is a smaller likelihood of structural damage to your home.
Keeping a close eye on your home also resolves the most significant termite issue: any cracks and gaps providing pests with easy access. Small cracks in cement, lumber, and drywall build up over time, allowing colonies to expand, damage the foundation, and weaken building materials like lumber and support beams. Getting a professional to check around cracks, pipes, crawl spaces, and basements will extend the life of your treatments.
Signs That You Need Retreatment
You may need retreatment if you didn’t fully eliminate termites the first time or if new infestations occur on your property. Below are a few signs that indicate you have another termite problem:
- Presence of termites: You notice live termites scurrying around your garage walls or find new mud tunnels.
- Consistent droppings: You continue to see dark, oval-shaped pellets around your property. This is a clear sign that termites are still present.
- Visible damage: You discover old termite damage, recurring wood deterioration, or find bits of sawdust around your home.
- New swarms: You observe winged termites in your home or near windows, doors, and vents, possibly indicating a new colony.
Our Conclusion
How long a termite treatment remains effective depends on the type of treatment and other factors, but most will last for five years. We recommend hiring a pest control professional since termite infestations are so destructive and difficult to exterminate. Terminix and Orkin both have decades of experience with termite control, and they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan and schedule follow-up inspections.
FAQs About Termite Treatment
How often should you treat your house for termites?
Most termite treatments last about five years, but you should schedule a professional termite inspection any time you suspect the presence of the pests. If you live in a high-risk area, get an inspection once per year.
Will termites come back after treatment?
Termites may return after treatments. Luckily, companies like Orkin and Terminix promise to retreat properties at no extra cost within a set period if you meet certain qualifications.
How quickly does termite treatment work?
Termite bait stations can take months to work, while liquid treatments require anywhere from a few days to several months. Fumigation only takes a few days, but it’s the most disruptive and expensive option.
