Termites are the no.1 most dangerous pest in Australia, with a cost of $4 Billion each year to the housing industry. It is estimated that 33% of Australian homes have some level of infestation.
They might not be as terrifying as rats or cockroaches, but the damage that they do is far more extensive. They feed on wood and can collapse buildings.
To put it simply, if you have an infestation, you need to get it removed. Pronto. So let’s take a look at the average cost of termite treatment, what it entails, and how to prevent the problem from arising.
Termite Treatment – Average Cost 2021
Before we get into the average costs, we need to factor in that there are many different kinds of termite treatment. You might hear that the average cost is $200, $500, or $3,000. And the reason for this disparity is that it depends on the type of treatment.
- The Quick Fix – This costs in the range of $300 to $500. A spray, dust, or foam solution is applied to a specific area, such as a window sill.
- Direct Solution – This means you apply a chemical solution to the cavity in the area where the termites are operating. Solutions can be repellent or non-repellent. Repellent chemical treatment will cost around $200 – $250. Non repellent will cost you a bit more.
- Termite Barrier – This is a physical barrier around the house. It can cost anywhere from $1,500 – $3,500. Your home will be protected for 5 – 8 years. The physical barrier is also chemically treated.
- Termite Baiting – Termite baiting works by placing baits at every 3 metres around your home. They cost around $2,000 – $3,500. However, they have to be continually serviced and can end up costing far more than termite barriers.
A termite inspection will cost between $200 – $500. It will cost on the upper end of this scale if the specialist is using advanced equipment, such as thermal imaging.
Factors Affecting Termite Control
The cost of termite control is primarily influenced by the following criteria:
- Type – As seen from the above, there is a great variance between all of the different termite treatments in terms of cost.
- Total Area – The size of your property will affect the cost of the treatment. For an external treatment, you are going to need to protect the entire house.
- Intensity of Infestation – A small infestation is more easily dealt with, especially if it is only in an isolated area.
- Supplier – Some pest control services are far more expensive than others.
- Repellent vs Non Repellents – There are 2 classes of solution used to treat termites. Non repellents are more expensive.
The main factor that affects the cost of termite treatment is the type. Termite treatment can be broken into prevention and eradication. Eradication of an existing infestation is actually cheaper than prevention using termite barriers and termite baiting. But eradication does not resolve the problem – they can simply come back. Which is why prevention is mandatory. Why make the same mistake twice?
Treating Termites in 2021
In order to successfully treat a termite infestation and to further understand the cost of doing so, it’s helpful to understand the principles of termite treatment. There are various kinds of termite but a common characteristic is that practically all feed off of wood. Even if there are no visible signs, you could still have an infestation as they chomp away at your house.
The main principle to be made aware of in terms of termite treatment is similar to many principles of pest control. You get some termites to ingest a chemical substance, and they then take this back to the colony. Eventually, the entire colony gets infected and dies off. Termite treatment products are chemical solutions, so they are not 100% eco-friendly. But they are a definite necessity when dealing with a far greater threat.
Termite prevention might seem expensive, at around $3,000 for the termite barrier. But in comparison to the potential damage, it’s quite cheap. Left unchecked, you’ll pay $5,000 – $10,000 in structural repairs due to the damage caused. One thing is for certain – the termites are not going to stop eating, whether you are aware of it or not.
Termite Treatment Costs 2021
Active termite treatment will cost you around $300 to $500, all things considered, if you are treating a specific area. But preventative structural elements like the termite barrier will cost you far more. If you live in a termite prone area or just want to be safe, it might still be the best option. You don’t want to take any chances with Australia’s most destructive pest.
To get the most competitive prices on termite treatment in Newcastle, call Hunter & Coast Pest Control. You know you will be getting the best prices available with a well regarded business. You also know you are doing business with a highly regarded and professional Pest Control Service.
Call now for a free quote and complete termite eradication, fast – ?(02) 4956 3169.
What are the different types of termites?
There are drywood termites and dampwood termites – this means that whether you have dry wood or moisture laden wood, you can still be at risk. The third category would be Subterranean termites, the most dangerous and the most common. They can tunnel up to 100 feet underground to reach a source of wood – in your home. They can also digest both sound and rotting timber, though they prefer timber with a degree of moisture in it already. These are the broad categories only. It’s helpful to know the type of termite species you are dealing with in order to apply the best solution.
How does a termite barrier work?
There are actually 3 different types of termite barriers:
- Chemical Termite Barrier – With this method, first, a trench is dug around your home. A chemical solution is placed in the trench which infects all termites that cross the barrier.
- Reticulation Termite Barrier – This is very similar to the chemical termite barrier. The only difference is that a pipe is placed at the bottom and spray the chemical evenly through tiny holes.
- Physical Termite Barrier – These are often integrated in new construction projects. Termites can only enter the home by crossing over a physical barrier, where they can be observed and easily dealt with. These are long-lasting and cheap, as well as being non-toxic.
The term ‘chemical’ termite barrier is actually quite misleading, as it involves digging a physical trench and then applying a chemical solution.
Is there any way to reduce the cost of termite treatment?
Prevention is the best cure. There are certain things you can do to limit the presence of termites on your property so you don’t have to call in the experts. The best methods would include:
- Limit the amount of timber you have on your property.
- Eliminate moisture as much as possible.
- Lift any timber structures off the ground.
- Be vigilant for the spread of termites.
- Seal all open areas as much as possible.
- Get a regular termite inspection from a reliable Pest Control Service.
Eliminating direct contact with the soil as much as possible is a great way to prevent termite infestations.
Why is there a price difference between repellent and non repellent termite treatment?
A repellent solution is one that the termites will avoid, while a non repellent is one they will ingest and die from. Non repellent treatments are more expensive to manufacture, which is the main reason. But they are also far more effective. According to studies, non repellent treatment only needed 5% retreatment, compared to 22% for repellents. And the 5% reduces to 1% when modern non repellents are used. In other words, ask your Pest Control Provider if they use a modern non repellent solution for treatment. It’s possibly one of the most relevant questions you can ask.
Is internal or external termite treatment more expensive?
Internal, as you are simply applying a treatment to an isolated area. External treatment usually involves termite baiting systems or termite barriers, with costs ranging in the thousands. There is also a difference between a whole house termite treatment and treating an isolated area. It’s best to treat the entire area if you have a severe infestation, and there are common access points which Subterranean termites (the most common kind) will enter through.
Can I save money by dealing with termites myself?
Assuming you’re not making a joke, then no, you can’t. Termites are not your typical insect. You might have some success with rodents and cockroaches, but termites are completely different. These tiny creatures can burrow underground from 100 feet away with hives in the millions.
They are often undetectable until a structure collapses. And they are hard to kill. It’s not worth the risk – you will likely end up costing yourself a lot of money. Also, if you happen to be working with a species other than the Subterranean termite, the typical methods won’t work.
If you want to save money, then call in the professionals. Hunter & Coast Pest Control are a 5-Star rated enterprise that is licenced, insured, accredited, and with extensive experience. You’ll get a 6 month warranty, competitive prices, and a technician that is friendly to deal with.
Call now for a free quote on ?(02) 4956 3169.