Contributed by: Doug Webb
Updated on: April 15th, 2025
Termites can be active in your home before you notice them, causing damage to your home and its structure along the way. Termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. annually1, and the average cost of termite damage repairs is $22,000 – a sum not often covered by homeowner’s insurance.2 Put simply, no one ever wants to hear that they have termites in their home.
When you have a termite infestation in your home, it can be challenging to get rid of them. Working with a Terminix technician can help you identify areas of termite activity on your property and provide you with the most effective termite treatment plan for these persistent pests. Follow these steps to see how to get rid of termites from your home and property:
What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?
If you're searching for how to get rid of termites quickly, you might be tempted by DIY solutions. However, while they seem like a quick fix, they often fail and can worsen the problem, potentially costing you more money in the long run.
Termites are complex pests, and knowing which species you're dealing with is essential to termite control, as each species requires different types of termite treatments. Enlisting the aid of Terminix can help you more accurately identify the species of termite at the heart of your infestation. Relying on your technician's knowledge of specific termite behavior can help uncover where these pests are lurking and offer a targeted plan for how to exterminate termites from your home.
What to do if you see signs of termites?
If you see evidence of termites in your home, contact your local Terminix office to evaluate the situation and establish a plan for how to get rid of the termites. Once you determine termites have invaded, you must take action to minimize the damages these pests can cause if left untreated.
How to get rid of termites with termite control
Without understanding the complexities of how to treat termites, homeowners often find themselves battling a persistent infestation. Termites have intricate colony structures and varying species-specific behaviors, meaning a general approach will likely fail. Therefore, attempting to treat a termite problem without proper training can result in the termites spreading and causing more damage.
Whether you're dealing with subterranean or drywood termites, the treatment process can look a little different. Once our technicians determine the type of termite in your home, they can start the termite treatment. Some common treatments your technician may suggest include:
- Bait stations
- Liquid treatments
- Spot treatments
- Fumigation
Treatments for subterranean termites
As their name suggests, subterranean termites live in the ground and need to stay connected to it. Our technicians use two main methods to treat subterranean termites: bait stations and liquid treatments. We place bait stations outside your home, especially in areas where termites are likely to travel and near the foundation. Termites that eat the bait take it back to their colony, which helps to eliminate the infestation. We also might apply liquid termiticide to the soil around and beneath your home’s foundation, that can help stop termites from getting in.
Treatments for drywood termites
Drywood termites can also create hidden colonies inside your home's wood structures. To get rid of drywood termites, your Terminix technician may use spot treatments on wood supports, slabs, or other areas of your home infested by drywood termites. These treatments directly treat the impacted wood and attack the colony at its source. In extreme cases, your technician may recommend fumigation services.
How to help prevent termites
When thinking about how to get rid of termites, it's best to think about prevention first. Implementing preventive measures is essential for effective long-term termite control. Here are some ways to help keep termites away from your home:
- Preventive termite treatments: Consider the Terminix Drywood Defend System to create a protective barrier or a bait solution.
- Control moisture: Repair leaks, ensure proper drainage, and clean gutters.
- Limit wood-to-soil contact: Store wood away from your foundation and elevate wood structures.
- Seal entry points: Fill cracks in your foundation and exterior walls, and maintain vents.
- Schedule regular inspections: Have annual professional termite inspections.
By following the list above, you will help keep things that attract termites to your home at a minimum. If you’re still struggling with how to get rid of termites from your home, schedule an inspection to get started with our termite control services!
1National Pest Management Association.
https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/what-is-a-termite-inspection/ "What Is a Termite Inspection and Why Do You Need One?" Accessed January 29, 2025.
2Average costs based on the resolution of nationwide Terminix termite damage claims closed from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Repair and treatment costs may vary. Not all homes qualify for a damage repair guarantee. See Plan for details and limitations.
