Understanding the Cost of Termiticide Treatments (and What Affects It)

Termite infestations can pose a severe threat to a property and eradicating that threat is sometimes not straightforward. Consequently, the termite treatment cost can be high and sometimes persuades people not to do anything. That is a serious mistake, however, because the cost of repairing the damage caused by termites will far outweigh the cost of preventing the damage in the first place.

What you need to do is get the best, most efficient and most cost-effective termite pest control method available. To do that, you need to understand what each treatment involves and the likely cost, which will mean you are better able to make an informed decision.

The Types of Termites and How to Detect Them

Termites are of two main types:

• Subterranean termites that live in underground colonies and feed on nearby wood, moving about through extensive tunnels.
• Drywood termites that build colonies within wood structures.

White ants are often mistaken for termites but, although an unwelcome pest, do not pose the same level of threat to your property.

There are several signs to indicate you have a termite problem:

• Tapping on wood and hearing a hollow sound may indicate termites have eaten it away from the inside.
• You may hear rustling sounds within the walls.
• Mud tubes on foundations and walls are tunnels through which termites travel.
• Discarded wings will indicate the presence of swarmers that have flown in to set up a new termite colony.
• Termite droppings are tiny pellets that are the colour of wood.

It is vital you detect the presence of termites early and take prompt action before they cause too much damage. Frequent inspections are essential and professional help will ensure these are conducted thoroughly and that warning signs are not missed.

Types of Treatments and Likely Costs

Various types of termiticide treatment are available and these all vary in cost. The actual cost will depend on a number of factors — the type of treatment, the size of property to be treated, the extent of the infestation and the location of the property, with remote and difficult to access properties being more costly to treat.

To deal with termites effectively, a number of treatments may be necessary and these will add to the overall cost:

• An inspection is the starting point and will identify the problem and its extent. One conducted by a professional will generally cost between $200 and $350 depending on its thoroughness and the size of the property. Ideally, you should have an inspection every year since this will provide an accurate and up-to-date assessment of your property, will ensure it is free of pests, provide recommendations and advice, and save you money long-term in repair bills.
• Localised spot treatments, where termites are not a big problem, can average $300-900. This covers foam, dust or sprays applied to areas, such as wall voids, that are easily accessible.
• Chemical barriers are applied to areas around a building. A trench is dug in the soil or holes are drilled in concrete, and a liquid termiticide is sprayed. This type of barrier can cost $1,500-3,000, lasts for several years and needs to be inspected periodically and reapplied to maintain termite protection.
• Baiting systems require the placement of baiting stations around the property at a cost of $1,500-4,000 plus monthly maintenance visits at a cost of $800 each. The stations contain slow-acting substances that are attractive to termites, which consume the bait, take it back to the nest and spread the poison through the rest of the colony with lethal effect. This will eventually lead to the destruction of the entire colony but the substances used are safe for humans and pets.
• Fumigation or heat treatment are used for severe and widespread infestations and typically cost $1,500-5,000 or more. They are applied to the whole property and so will kill termites located anywhere within it.
• Physical barriers are best installed during the construction of a building since retro-fitting them at a later stage is much more difficult. They cost from $70 per square metre, typically $5,000 per property, and prevent termites from gaining access by using steel mesh or crushed granite. These barriers are a one-time, long-term solution that needs no chemicals.

Why the Cost of Treatment is Better than the Cost of Repairs

The overall cost of termite treatment varies wildly due to the various factors that can affect it. A rough estimate will be $1,500-3,500 but this will depend on the extent and type of treatment needed.

Whatever the cost, it is almost certain to be much less than repairing your property if the infestation is allowed to become really bad. Especially given that the cost of repairs will almost certainly be paid by you, not your insurance company.

The cost, of course, is purely monetary and takes no account of the upset and disruption that will result from a serious termite infestation. Protect your home and your family by arranging a programme of inspections and maintenance that will mean treatment to get rid of the pests will rarely be necessary.

We can arrange a comprehensive maintenance plan or undertake whatever level of treatment you need. It is your home and we want to keep it safe for you so contact us to arrange a visit.