Termite problems should not be ignored for whatever reason. Homes and businesses should pay attention to Tulsa termite control, especially after the swarming season. Cost is an important factor to keep in mind when preparing for termite inspection and control. In the next part of this article, we talk about the average cost of termite control. The article also explains deeper into the factors that affect the cost of termite control services.
Termite Treatment Cost
The average cost of a termite treatment appointment can range from $275 to $863. Most homeowners end up paying at least $558 to address their termite problems. Depending on the location and type of termite problem, property owners may find termite treatment as cheap as $135 or as high as $1,390.
Before setting a budget for your termite treatment needs, you should be aware that treatment methods often affect the cost and outcome. There are four main termite treatment methods with different prices and costs. They are;
- Bait treatment
- Chemical treatment
- Fumigation
- Heat treatment
Bait Treatment
Bait treatment is one of the commonest and most cost-effective methods of exterminating termites. It involves the introduction of poisoned food substances into the termite colony. The goal is to encourage termites to consume such poisoned substances, thus killing them. This termite treatment method costs between $7 and 411 per linear foot of treatment.
For this method, termite exterminators will create a bait station around the customer’s home. The termites are baited to consume the treated food substance, thus killing them before they gain entry into the customer’s property.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment for termite extermination costs between $4 and $14.50 per linear foot. The treatment cost depends on location, the pest treatment company, and other factors.
The exterminators apply a strong termiticide to the soil around the home or infested area for this treatment method. The chemical seeps into the soil and kills any termite that comes in contact with it. This method can serve both as a preventive and control treatment.
However, the use of heavy chemicals may be frowned upon due to their environmental effect. This may cause many homeowners to explore other options with a less damaging effect on the environment.
Fumigation
The cost of fumigating a property depends largely on the property size. Many termite control companies charge per square foot or per linear foot. A bigger estate will cost more compared to a smaller home. On average, you can expect to spend between $1 and $4 per square foot and $10 to $20 per linear foot. Per this calculation, a 1,000-square-foot home will cost about $4,000 to fumigate.
Fumigation involves the introduction of strong chemicals that are delivered in small droplets or aerosols. You need to vacate your home to avoid health risks from this method. The pest control experts will seal off your home with a tent and pump the toxic gas in and around it. The toxic gas is poisonous to both humans, ants, and termites. Depending on the chemical’s toxicity, you may need to stay away for between 3 to 7 days.
Please note that fumigation is often reserved for advanced termite infestations.
Heat Treatment
Similar to fumigation, heat treatments also involve tenting the home to isolate it. Pest control experts often advise this for large termite infestations. Heat treatment can cost anywhere between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. Pest exterminators may also charge an average of $10 per linear foot.
One of the biggest advantages of heat treatment is its environmental friendliness. It doesn’t require the use of heavy chemicals and doesn’t leave long-term effects on the environment. However, you may need to remove all heat-sensitive items from your home to avoid damage.
Your termite exterminator will advise you on this treatment method. It generally involves heating up the wooden structural areas of the house. The idea is to kill the termites with heat at 120 degrees.
Other Factors Affecting Termite Treatment Cost
Although the treatment method plays a huge effect on your termite treatment cost, other factors that may influence cost include;
Size of the infestation: Termite control experts may bill you based on the size of the problem. Larger infestations will cost more to treat compared to developing problems.
Termite damage repairs: The extent of the damage caused by your termite problem can also influence your cost. Extensive damages to structural parts can significantly increase your termite treatment cost.
Termite inspection fee: Not all termite treatment companies come out to inspect properties for free. Your overall treatment cost will be affected if you choose a company that charges an inspection fee.Termite type: The type of termite problem can also affect the treatment method used.