How do you know if you have termites in your walls?

There are some common visible signs that a termite colony may have infested your home. Termites eat wood, thus weakening it. So if the wood on your walls crumbles when you touch it, or sounds hollow when you tap on it, you may have termites. Also keep a look out for bubbling painted walls, discolored drywall, and signs of buckling wood.

How do you permanently get rid of termites?

Permanently ridding your home of termites involves the three main pest control solutions: extermination, removal, and prevention. Here are some treatment options to help tackle this problem: Use termite foam to fill up areas containing termites. The foam will slowly evaporate and kill off the termites with it. Be cautious, as the foam may not be environmentally friendly. Use bait to lure in termites. The bait will poison foraging termites, which will then infect and kill the rest of the colony. Use beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that track down and kill termites in soil. Avoid moisture in your crawlspaces and foundation. Don’t stack firewood up against the side of your house. Make sure no wood is touching the soil outside your home. Avoid using mulch.

What time of year is best for termite treatment?

Any time is a good time to rid your home of termites. There is no need to wait for an ideal season or range of months to tackle the problem. That said, the winter months can be slightly easier for termite treatments as they tend to stay closer to the colony when foraging for food, making their behavior more predictable.

Do termites come back after treatment?

Termites can return after a treatment if measures are not taken to prevent future infestations. Consult with your termite control technician for details on how to best protect your home. Your technician will most likely advise you to minimize dampness and keep firewood away from the side of your house.

Can termites go away without treatment?

No. Your home contains a lot of wood, and the termites will eat it until there’s nothing left. Therefore it is imperative to treat your infestation as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

What attracts termites to a house?

Moisture and humidity attract termites to a house. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and bad airflow can all contribute to adding moisture to your home and thus attract termites. Be sure to treat any humidity issues in your home at the source to prevent a possible infestation.

How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?

A large termite colony can eat up to a pound of wood per day, but most homes are built using pounds of wood. The exact time frame varies depending on the species of termite and the size of your house, but the average range is three to eight years.

Best Termite Control Companies of 2023

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Exterminator in protective overalls and gloves spraying apartment — Photo:
Ivan-balvan / Getty Images

Termite colonies that have nested inside a house are capable of eating up to a pound of wood per day, which means they’re a threat to the structure of your home. Thus, termite invasions need to be eliminated, and your home needs to be safeguarded against future infestations. Luckily, the solution is only a phone call—or online form submission—away, as termite control companies have been eradicating these hungry pests for over a century.

The best termite control companies are both responsive and helpful from a customer service perspective, as well as effective in eradicating infestations. There are a variety of practical considerations when selecting the right termite control company, such as the company’s coverage area, experience, treatment plans, and communication skills. You should always ask about the products your termite control company intends to use, as many are toxic not just to termites but also humans, pets, and local flora and fauna.

Disclaimer About Termite Control Services

It’s hard to find a termite control company that doesn’t use toxic chemicals in its treatments, but you can minimize the damage these products might cause. To do this, Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, recommends doing a deep dive into the termite control company you plan on working with to check things like ingredient lists and pest control methods.

“You've got to do the research necessary to ensure that you don’t ultimately poison yourself, your family, your community, and the ecosystem,” says Feldman. “So within the context of products, you need to identify the least-toxic materials.” Beyond Pesticides has a resource page about termite control to help you choose the safest plan for termite eradication.

Additionally, you want to ensure your termite control company is taking a holistic approach to extermination. Ideally, the company should not only eliminate the colony in your home but also take steps to prevent them from returning. For instance, Feldman notes that termites seek dampness, so if your home has damp areas that you don't address in your termite treatment plan, the insects will likely return following a chemical treatment.

Best Termite Control Companies of 2023

Best Overall: Terminix
Best Environmentally Conscious: Arrow Exterminators
Best for Immediate Needs: Orkin
Best Year-Round Service: Ehrlich
Best Regional: Viking Pest Control

Best Overall: Terminix

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 45 states
Online Scheduling? Yes
Will Also Treat: Ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes, rodents, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

Has over 300 locations throughout the country
24/7 phone and online customer service support
Can easily schedule appointments online or over the phone

Cons

Higher-tier termite treatment plans can be expensive
Doesn’t outwardly provide chemical details for termite control

Why It Made the List

Terminix’s combination of a large coverage zone, excellent customer support, convenient scheduling options, and multiple tiers of treatment plans make it our pick for best overall termite control company. Terminix has more than 300 locations across 45 states and has 24/7 customer service support. As far as termite control companies go, Terminix has an accessible price range, although precise costs will always depend on your specific needs and which treatment plan you select.

Terminix offers several tiers of treatment plans that each vary in price and services offered. The basic treatment provides a yearly inspection, sets up traps around your residence, and offers a re-treatment guarantee should initial efforts to exterminate the termites not succeed. The advanced treatment includes everything from the basic plan and adds coverage of termite damage in between appointments. Lastly, the premium plan includes all the services offered in the previous packages, in addition to treatment for other common pests.

All details of your plan should be discussed with a Terminix customer support representative and/or technician to ensure your selected plan meets your needs and fits your budget. Do note that Terminix doesn’t provide many details about which chemicals it uses in its treatment plans. To get more details about this, it’s recommended that you ask a customer service rep when you’re scheduling an appointment.

Best Environmentally Conscious: Arrow Exterminators

Arrow Exterminators

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 12 states
Online Scheduling? No, phone only
Will Also Treat: Ants, cockroaches, stink bugs, fleas, bedbugs, rodents, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

STEPS treatment initiative claims good environmental practices
Uses a bait treatment that is effective at eradicating termites at the root
Termite plan subscribers receive free re-treatments

Cons

Not available in most states
Can’t schedule appointments online

Why It Made the List

Arrow Exterminators is our top choice for environmentally conscious termite control companies due to its STEPS (Sustainability Through Environmental Practices and Solutions) initiative. STEPS ensures that all Arrow technicians are required to treat termites with environmentally responsible methods, meaning that pesticides are used only when necessary and not in excess. Arrow is also GreenPro certified for eco-effective pest control by the National Pest Management Association.

When it comes to eradicating termites, Arrow implements its signature Sentricon system, which uses a baiting system that targets foraging termites. Once these termites bring back the treatment bait, the chemicals will eliminate the entire colony—including the queen. Additionally, clients who subscribe to Arrow Exterminators treatments will also receive free re-treatments against any future termite infestations.

Although environmentally friendly and effective at eliminating termites, Arrow Exterminators does lack a few useful features, including online scheduling. The service is also limited to just 12 states, so finding a facility near you may pose a challenge. Lastly, Arrow Exterminators does not specify the chemicals used in its treatments online, so you should discuss your specific plan with a company rep/technician before booking a treatment.

Best for Immediate Needs: Orkin

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 49 states
Online Scheduling? No, phone only
Will Also Treat: Ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, flies, rodents, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers 24/7 emergency support
Large coverage zones throughout the country
30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

Some treatment options contain harsh chemicals
No option to schedule appointments online

Why It Made the List

Thanks to its 24/7 customer support line and wide service range across 49 states, Orkin is our top choice if you need speedy and reliable termite control. Orkin has not only serviced clients for over a century, but its technicians are also required to have 160 hours of training before they begin treating your home. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as free return visits in case your infestation needs additional treatment.

In terms of treatment plans, Orkin has a few options that vary in method and intensity. The Termidor liquid treatment is used in building foundations to create a barrier that prevents future invasions, but Beyond Pesticides notes that the active ingredient in Termidor, fipronil, should be avoided. Alternatively, the dry foam and OrkinFoam treatment fills up gaps throughout your home to keep termites out.

For the environmentally conscious, it’s recommended you select Orkin’s bait and monitoring treatment which won’t douse your home in harmful chemicals. Despite this, you should still consult an Orkin representative to help you decide on the best course of action for your needs. To get more information and a quote, you’ll have to call Orkin’s phone line, as the service doesn’t offer online appointment scheduling.

Best Year-Round Service: Ehrlich

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 20 states
Online Scheduling? No, phone only
Will Also Treat: Ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, flies, rodents, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

PestFree365+ program treats termites year-round
Nearly 100 years of experience
Will schedule periodic visits and check-ins

Cons

PestFree365+ program covers termites at an additional cost
Some treatment options may use harsh chemicals

Why It Made the List

If termites have been an ongoing issue at your residence, or if you’re just interested in fortifying your home against termites every day of the year, we recommend Ehrlich. Ehrlich has a special program, PestFree 365+, that offers a customized plan created by a technician to protect your home against 36 different types of pests. However, getting termite control with this program will come at an additional cost.

Should you opt for this offering, an Ehrlich technician will treat the interior and exterior of your home, schedule periodic follow-up visits, and make suggestions for how to proactively safeguard your home from termites and other pests. Some service calls, as well as all termite inspections, are included with the PestFree365+ package.

Ehrlich does use EPA-registered products in its treatments, but not all EPA-registered products may be safe, so be sure to ask about the specific products being used to treat your termite infestation. Another topic to discuss with your pest control agent is the company’s guarantee policy, as what’s presented on the company’s site isn’t very concrete and may vary depending on what service option you choose. Bear in mind that Ehrlich mainly services the East Coast, so states outside of that region may have to look elsewhere for termite control.

Best Regional: Viking Pest Control

viking pest control

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 4 states
Online Scheduling? Yes
Will Also Treat: Ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, flies, fleas, hornets, rodents, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers free estimates to save on cash
Online scheduling and chat functions available
Offers special discounts for referrals

Cons

Services only four states
May need to speak to a representative to use less harsh chemicals

Why It Made the List

If you live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Delaware, we recommend taking a look at Viking Pest Control for your termite control needs. Viking is a small company, but it offers some unique features and is, most importantly, effective at eradicating termites. The company uses an "Integrated Pest Management" technique that aims to first find the source of the infestation and then use products to eliminate the termites.

Viking is a very online company, allowing customers to schedule appointments and chat with customer service reps on its website. Additionally, the service also offers both free quotes and a “bug-a-friend” promotion that rewards customers with discounts for referring friends and family. Although the service makes an effort to minimize any risk to humans, pets, and the environment while treating termites, it’s still best to speak with a representative to get a better understanding of what chemicals are being used.

Final Verdict

Terminix is our top termite control company because it services 45 states and is very easy to contact via phone or online. Terminix has more than 300 locations across the country, and there's always a customer service representative standing by to take your call. The company has three tiers of termite treatment plans to choose from, including one that also covers general pest control. With over 100 years of pest control experience under its belt, the company is well regarded and is a solid option for those looking for a comprehensive termite control treatment.

Compare the Best Termite Control Companies

Company	Nationwide Availability	Online Scheduling?	Will Also Treat
Terminix Best Overall	45 states	Yes	Ants, bedbugs, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, crickets, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, ticks, mice, rats, flies, stink bugs, wildlife
Arrow Exterminators Best Environmentally Conscious	12 states	No	Ants, cockroaches, spiders, stink bugs, silverfish, millipedes, centipedes, earwigs, crickets, pill bugs, fleas, bedbugs, stinging insects, scorpions, mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, birds
Orkin Best for Immediate Needs	49 states	No	Ants, bedbugs, beetles, carpenter ants, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, ticks, bats, cicadas, dragonflies, locusts, lice, butterflies, snails and slugs, weevils
Ehrlich Best Year-Round Service	20 states	No	Ants, bedbugs, bees, birds, cockroaches, crickets, fabric pests, fleas, flies, mice, mosquitoes, ticks, moths, rats, spiders, snakes, stink bugs, wasps
Viking Pest Control Best Regional	4 states	Yes	Ants, bats, bedbugs, bees, beetles, birds, box elders, centipedes, cicada killers, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, flies, fleas, grain pests, hornets, ladybugs, mice, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rats, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, spotted lanternflies, springtails, stink bugs, ticks, wasps, water bugs, groundhogs, opossum, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, voles

Why Are Termites Bad?

Termites damage an estimated 600,000 U.S. homes per year, causing $5 billion worth of termite control and damage spending. Termites eat away at wood, meaning they can not only destroy wood products in your home but destroy the structure of your house itself. A large colony of termites is capable of eating up to a pound of wood per day. To prevent extensive damage, it’s best to hire a termite control company to treat the situation.

Signs You Need to Hire a Termite Control Company

Since termites eat and gnaw away at wood, they tend to leave behind pretty obvious evidence of their presence. Unfortunately, by the time you see this damage, a termite colony may have already taken up residence in your home. If you see these signs below, it’s time to call a termite control company for an inspection.

Swarms of visible termites
Maze-like paths in products or structures made of wood
Bubbling and peeling on painted walls
Entry holes in drywall
Ceilings and walls buckling
Water damage

Factors to Consider When Hiring a Termite Control Company

Choosing a termite control company can boil down to some very practical concerns, such as whether or not a company services your area or if its treatment plan is within your price range. But when you're presented with several options, there are some important things to consider that will not only help to eliminate the problem but also protect your home from future termite infestations.

Coverage Areas

Does the termite control company you’re considering offer services in your area? The easiest way to find out is to check the company’s website. Most companies will have either a tool with which you search for nearby facilities by ZIP code or have a list of all of its locations. Sometimes the website will automatically detect where you’re located and immediately tell you if it offers service in your area.

Customer Service Options

Good communication with a termite control company is key. Some companies offer 24/7 customer support, online scheduling, live chat functions, and more communication options for you to choose from. However, it's likely that not all termite control companies offer these features simultaneously, so you may have to weigh your options depending on what matters most to you. Once you have your expectations for customer service set, you’ll be able to determine whether or not a company is a good fit for you.

Treatment Plans

Some companies offer singular plans for termite treatment based on your specific case, while others will present you with multiple options (some more expensive than others). Choose one of the least-toxic treatment plans when possible and be sure to discuss all products and techniques used with your technician. To save money and keep an infestation under control, make sure to discuss prevention plans as well.

Environmental Considerations

Insecticides are toxic chemicals that can harm humans, pets, and the local environment. Depending on the severity of your infestation, your technician may recommend using such treatments, but ideally, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals is the best eco-conscious decision. If you need to use a chemical treatment, discuss with your technician all options for chemical treatments to ensure you're getting the least toxic one. Beyond Pesticides recommends using boric acid, as this treatment isn’t as harsh as other options containing chemicals like fipronil.

Cost

Cost will likely be one of the biggest factors when deciding on a termite control company. Whether you’re looking to treat a current infestation, or prevent one from happening again, you have to ask yourself how much money you’re willing to spend. To avoid any surprise costs, always make sure you ask for a quote. Additionally, always check company websites to see if any promotions are running or whether there are any package deals or treatment plans that add extra services you may need.

How Much Does a Termite Control Company Cost?

Unfortunately, eradicating termites tends to be a pricy endeavor, as evidence of termite damage likely means a colony has been inside your home for a year or longer. The average expense for termite treatment is around $500-$600, although the precise cost will vary depending on the specific treatment and severity of the problem. A small problem could be handled for as little as $100, while the total fumigation of your home could run upward of $1,500.

Are Any Termite Control Treatments Environmentally Friendly?

Generally speaking, pest control at large is not environmentally friendly, and termite control is no different. Most treatments involve toxic chemicals that can have adverse health effects on humans and animals. While Beyond Pesticides advocates for alternative treatment plans, there are some instances where you may have to use a toxic chemical. Beyond Pesticides recommends boric acid because it is nonvolatile and can be used as a prevention measure.

How Do You Prevent Termites From Taking Over Your Home?

Aside from hiring a termite control company, there are some practical steps you can take to help prevent infestations in the first place. None of these methods are foolproof, but if you have reason to believe termites might one day invade or just can’t stand the thought of them in your home, here are some suggestions on how to safeguard your residence.

Create space between wood and the soil outside your home to ensure the wood does not directly touch the ground.
Don’t let moisture build up near your home’s foundation. Ensure that your gutters are effectively diverting water away from the foundation.
Install plastic sheeting in crawl spaces to reduce moisture and humidity.
Don’t stack firewood against the side of your home.
Take caution when using mulch outside your home. Either don’t use it at all or use it sparingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you have termites in your walls?

There are some common visible signs that a termite colony may have infested your home. Termites eat wood, thus weakening it. So if the wood on your walls crumbles when you touch it, or sounds hollow when you tap on it, you may have termites. Also keep a look out for bubbling painted walls, discolored drywall, and signs of buckling wood.
How do you permanently get rid of termites?
Permanently ridding your home of termites involves the three main pest control solutions: extermination, removal, and prevention. Here are some treatment options to help tackle this problem:
- Use termite foam to fill up areas containing termites. The foam will slowly evaporate and kill off the termites with it. Be cautious, as the foam may not be environmentally friendly.
- Use bait to lure in termites. The bait will poison foraging termites, which will then infect and kill the rest of the colony.
- Use beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that track down and kill termites in soil.
- Avoid moisture in your crawlspaces and foundation.
- Don’t stack firewood up against the side of your house.
- Make sure no wood is touching the soil outside your home.
- Avoid using mulch.
What time of year is best for termite treatment?

Any time is a good time to rid your home of termites. There is no need to wait for an ideal season or range of months to tackle the problem. That said, the winter months can be slightly easier for termite treatments as they tend to stay closer to the colony when foraging for food, making their behavior more predictable.
Do termites come back after treatment?

Termites can return after a treatment if measures are not taken to prevent future infestations. Consult with your termite control technician for details on how to best protect your home. Your technician will most likely advise you to minimize dampness and keep firewood away from the side of your house.
Can termites go away without treatment?

No. Your home contains a lot of wood, and the termites will eat it until there’s nothing left. Therefore it is imperative to treat your infestation as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What attracts termites to a house?

Moisture and humidity attract termites to a house. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and bad airflow can all contribute to adding moisture to your home and thus attract termites. Be sure to treat any humidity issues in your home at the source to prevent a possible infestation.
How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?

A large termite colony can eat up to a pound of wood per day, but most homes are built using pounds of wood. The exact time frame varies depending on the species of termite and the size of your house, but the average range is three to eight years.

Methodology

This list of the best termite control companies was compiled using an extensive set of criteria ranging from cost to treatment options. Our team reviewed more than a dozen companies, rating them based on the following categories:

Types of services offered
Nationwide availability
Customer service
Company reputation
Online quote system
Additional costs and fees
Treatment guarantees

Any termite control companies that had extensive networks across the country, provided excellent customer service, and offered online quotes rose above other competitors. Any services that excelled in a specific category were also awarded their respective superlative on this list. Any termite control companies that lacked in any of the aforementioned criteria didn't make it past our initial round of research.

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Sources

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