How Much Does Termite Control Cost?

Last Updated Oct 29, 2013 · Written by Rob Schneider

Pest Control|Renovation Costs

Termite control shouldn't be taken lightly. Bandaid solutions may get rid of visible termites, but the rest of the nest will remain and look elsewhere for their food supply. Left unchecked, they can do a tremendous amount of damage in a short time. If you suspect termites are active around your home, you need to take steps to have them permanently removed.

The Termite Control Process

The first step in the termite control process is to get a professional termite inspection and report. Termite reports have been standardised to ensure all termite control experts adhere to AS:3660 Termite Control in Buildings regulations. The report 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 reports generally cost* between $250 and $350 depending on location, ease or difficulty of access, building style and other factors.

Once a termite inspection has been carried out, termite control experts can recommend a best course of action to remove existing termites and prevent future infestation. Usually, some form of chemical treatment will be recommended. 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.

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. Soil treatment with special termiticides can have a long term effect and keep termites away from your premises indefinitely.

How Much Does Termite Control Cost?*

Complete termite control treatment can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Different techniques and equipment may be required for different jobs and these can make a big difference to the price. Some of the 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.

In addition, termites might establish small sub-nests in wall cavities inside the home. Termite control experts have devices they can use to detect their whereabouts.

The solvent-based chemicals used for termite control can pose a health hazard to people with asthma. If this is of concern to you, ask about a water-based alternative.

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.