How much does termite treatment cost in 2023?

The idea of sharing our home with thousands of creepy crawlies is bad enough, but with termite treatment costs potentially running into thousands of dollars, this is one bug to get tough with. Here’s a quick guide on ways to identify a termite infestation, and how much you could be looking at in termite treatment costs.

Your home is more than a roof over your head. It is also a valuable investment – and that makes it worth keeping a lookout for termites. According to the University of Technology Sydney, these timber-loving pests are a huge problem in Australia, causing more than $1.5 billion worth of damage to homes each year. A single colony can have more than 10 million workers, all feasting on your home.

Moreover, the Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) says termites are becoming an increasing problem. The AEPMA points the finger at change in construction techniques and practices since the 1960s, such as some homes being constructed with concrete slabs that have little clearance from the ground and the use of soft wood timber for framing.

So what happens if the roof over your head starts thinning, quite literally, thanks to a tiny, crawling pest?

Signs you may have termites

The thought of termites may bring visuals of dilapidated homes falling apart as wood crumbles. But in reality, termites in walls are often invisible to the naked eye. According to hipages, some common signs to look out for include:

• termite remains, such as droppings or wings
• termite tunnels and mud tubes
• damage to walls including chipping, flaking, holes and dampness.
• a hollow sound when you tap interior timbers can indicate wood that’s been eaten away by termites.

Pest company Rentokil says clicking sounds coming from the walls or ceiling may indicate the presence of termites (you can put your ear to the wood to listen for them). This can be the sound of termites eating noisily, or soldier termites banging their heads against timber to warn the colony of danger.

What to do if you find termites on your property

According to the Australian Museum, there are more than 300 termite species in Australia, but only a few of the wood-damaging species are a concern to humans. This being the case, the Museum says control of pest termites involves identifying the species, locating the nest and choosing appropriate eradication methods.

You may find products designed to kill termites in your local hardware store. However, it could be a good idea to consider seeking professional help. Hipages warns that because they live in large colonies, termites can be hard to get rid of — especially those that live below the ground, known as subterranean termites.

A termite management specialist can recommend a treatment plan specifically for your needs. By calling in the specialists, you also minimise personal handling of what can be very strong pest elimination chemicals.

How much does termite inspection cost?

The first step in treating termites is to have a pest professional inspect your home. This can identify if you are sharing your place with termites or if an entirely different issue is impacting your home’s timbers.

Hipages says a termite inspection cost can be $250 to $500 depending on the size of the home and if specialised equipment are involved. Shopping around can help you find a service that may fit within your budget.

How much does termite treatment cost?

If it turns out you do have a termite infestation, hipages says you could be looking at anywhere between $250 and $3,000 to treat the problem. It may not be cheap but ultimately you could be protecting the structural integrity of your home. Due to the high cost, it may be a wise idea to get a few quotes so you can compare.

Exactly how much you pay will depend on the scale of the infestation, the type of treatment used and the pest control company you hire for the job.

According to hipages, treatments that involve spraying, dusting or injecting foam directly to affected areas, such as windowsills, can cost between $330 and $660.

A termite baiting system can cost between $2,500 to $3,500 depending on your home’s size. However, bait systems must be repeated, usually on a monthly basis, which can add around $800 to the expense.

Further along the scale, is a termite barrier, which can come in  the form of a trench treatment, chemical soil treatment or physical blanket barrier around the home. The price will vary depending on how much land must be covered and could cost as much as $3,000.

Who can provide termite treatment?

There is a wide choice of pest management specialists to select from, though the Australian Pest Control Association (APCA) recommends shopping around to compare costs and enquire about the range of treatment options that different companies may provide.

One place consumers can start their search is on the AEPMA site directory, where members need to be qualified and to have made a commitment to follow industry codes of best practice in order to be listed. Or call the APCA on 1300 660 200 for consumer advice.

Is termite treatment cost covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that termite damage or any termite treatment cost will be covered by your home building insurance.

Suncorp Insurance advises that most insurance companies don’t cover loss or damage caused by insects and other household pests – including termites, in home insurance policies. This is because watching out for termites and dealing with them is regarded as a part of regular home maintenance.

How to prevent a termite infestation

Like many household pests, when it comes to termites, an ounce of prevention can be worth a tonne of cure. There are plenty of simple and low cost steps homeowners can take to avoid sharing their home with termites in the first place.

If you are buying a home, it makes a lot of sense to organise a pre-purchase pest inspection before you commit to the property. Hipages advises that this service can cost $150 to $300. While it may be an additional expense for homebuyers to wear, it can be a big money saver if the inspection identifies a serious termite problem.

It is also a good idea to have an annual pest inspection after you move in. As we noted earlier, this can cost up to $500, however it could be money well-spent. Subterranean termites have the potential to chew through wall and roofing timbers within a matter of months. An annual inspection may help you identify a problem before too much damage is done.

Other basic preventative measures Victoria’s Department of Health advises that can safeguard your home from termites include:

• using termite resistant timbers when renovating, and ensuring that your home’s timber structures are not in contact with soil or the ground
• storing timber away from your home’s foundations
• removing vegetation (including garden beds) from around your home’s foundations
• keeping weep holes and other ventilation and drainage systems functional and free from debris
• fixing any plumbing leaks – termites love moisture and humidity.

Remember, if you see any signs that could indicate termites, it’s worth taking prompt action before the insects eat away at your home – and your wallet.

Updated reporting originally by Shay Waraker

Cover image source: Terayut Janjaranuphab/Shutterstock.com