Contributed by: Doug Webb

Content Updated: March 16th, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Termites might be tiny, but the damage they cause isn’t; catching them early with professional termite control is key.
  • Knowing how to identify subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites helps homeowners take action before damage spreads.
  • Signs of termites include mud tubes, hollow wood, discarded wings, peeling paint, and wood-colored droppings.
  • Depending on the species involved, targeted professional treatments, like bait stations, liquid applications, spot treatments, and fumigation, are the most effective ways to protect against termites.

Jump to section:

Identify the type of termites

Evaluate termite treatment options

Repair damaged wood

Prevent future termite infestations

What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?

Termites are small, sneaky pests, but the damage they can cause is anything but tiny. They can quietly chew through wood, beams, and other structural elements long before you ever notice a problem. If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites, it’s essential to act quickly, because the longer you wait, the more damage they can do. Professional termite control not only eliminates the current infestation but also helps protect your home from future invasions.

Identify the type of termites

Not all termites behave the same way, which is why identifying the type of termite in your home is the first step in figuring out how to get rid of termites. Different termites behave differently, and that matters when it comes to treatment. The most common termites homeowners encounter include:

If you spot any of these signs of termites, it’s important to get it checked out quickly. Termite damage worsens the longer an infestation goes untreated, even if everything appears fine on the surface. Unresolved termite damage can lead to very expensive repairs.

Evaluate termite treatment options

Termites won’t go away on their own, and without proper treatment, an infestation can continue to spread and cause more damage over time. Because different species behave differently, using the wrong approach can worsen the problem instead of resolving it.

Working with a professional makes all the difference. A Terminix technician can properly identify termites in your home, locate hidden activity, and recommend a termite treatment plan tailored to your situation. Depending on the species and extent of the infestation, termite treatment options may include:

  • Bait stations
  • Liquid treatments
  • Spot treatments
  • Fumigation 
subterranean termites

Treatments for subterranean termites

Subterranean termites live underground and rely on soil moisture to survive, which is why treatment focuses on stopping them before they enter your home. Terminix technicians commonly use:

    Bait stations placed around your home’s perimeter

    Liquid treatments applied to the soil around and beneath your foundation to create a protective barrier

drywood termites on ground

Treatments for drywood termites

Drywood termites live inside the wood they eat, making them especially difficult to detect. To get rid of drywood termites, your technician may recommend:

Spot treatments applied directly to affected wood structures

Localized treatments for attics, beams, or furniture

Fumigation, in cases where termites are widespread throughout the structure

Prevent future termite infestations

When it comes to termites, prevention is everything. Termite prevention helps protect your home even after treatment. Here’s how to make your home less appealing to termites:

  • Preventive termite treatments like the Terminix Drywood Defend System or ongoing bait solutions
  • Control moisture by fixing leaks, improving drainage, and keeping gutters clear
  • Limit wood-to-soil contact by storing firewood away from your foundation
  • Seal entry points like cracks in foundations, walls, and vents
  • Schedule annual inspections to catch issues early

These steps help reduce what termites love most: moisture, wood, and easy access.

What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?

When homeowners ask how to get rid of termites quickly, the answer often depends on the type of termite and how long the infestation has been active. DIY termite control products may offer quick results, but they will not address the entire colony.

Terminix technicians can determine the type of termite in your home and recommend the most effective treatment plan. With targeted solutions, ongoing termite prevention strategies, and professional follow-up, Terminix not only helps eliminate current termite activity but also works to protect your home from future infestations.

If you need to get rid of termites in your house, schedule a free termite inspection today!