Top 10 Things to Expect During a Termite Treatment Process

Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. Quietly feeding on wood, flooring, and even wallpaper, they can go undetected for years while causing significant structural damage. Once discovered, quick and professional treatment is crucial. However, many homeowners don’t know what to expect when the termite treatment process begins.

Understanding the steps involved helps reduce stress and ensures your home is properly protected. Whether you're facing a minor infestation or a widespread problem, here's what you can expect during the termite treatment process—step by step.

1. A Detailed Inspection of Your Property

Before any treatment begins, a licensed pest control professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your home and surrounding property. This includes:

• Examining walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations

• Inspecting attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages

• Identifying moisture issues that may attract termites

• Locating active termite colonies or damage

Expect the inspector to use tools such as moisture meters, flashlights, and probing devices to assess wood integrity. This step is essential for determining the extent of the infestation and choosing the most appropriate treatment plan.

2. A Customized Treatment Plan

After the inspection, the pest control provider will create a custom treatment plan based on:

• The type of termites (subterranean, drywood, or dampwood)

• The severity and location of the infestation

• The construction and layout of your home

• Whether previous termite treatments have been used

This plan will outline the treatment method, chemicals or products used, safety precautions, and follow-up procedures. Be sure to ask questions at this stage to understand what's being done and why.

3. Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before treatment day, you’ll likely be asked to prepare your home. While preparation steps vary depending on the treatment type, they may include:

• Moving furniture away from walls

• Covering or removing food, dishes, and utensils

• Securing pets in a safe location or removing them temporarily

• Granting access to all parts of the house, including crawlspaces and attics

If tenting or fumigation is required (typically for drywood termites), additional steps like vacating the home for 2–3 days and bagging perishables will be necessary.

4. Liquid Termiticide Application

For subterranean termite infestations, one of the most common methods is the application of a liquid termiticide. This chemical barrier is applied in the soil around your home’s perimeter to eliminate active colonies and prevent new ones.

Expect technicians to:

• Dig small trenches around the foundation

• Drill through slabs (if needed) to reach soil underneath

• Inject the termiticide into treated zones

• Refill and seal any disturbed areas

This process typically takes a few hours and may cause minor temporary disruption to your landscaping.

5. Bait Station Installation

In some cases, particularly when using an integrated pest management approach, bait stations are installed around the home. These contain cellulose material treated with a slow-acting toxin.

Here's what to expect:

• Technicians install bait stations in the ground every 10–20 feet around your home

• Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to their colony

• Over time, this kills the colony from within

Baiting systems are less invasive than liquid treatments but may take longer to achieve full control.

6. Fumigation (for Drywood Termites)

If your home has drywood termites in hard-to-reach places like walls or attics, fumigation or tenting might be necessary. This is a more extensive process:

• Your entire home is enclosed in a tent

• A fumigant gas (like sulfuryl fluoride) is released and penetrates wood and walls

• You, your family, and pets must vacate the property for 2–3 days

• After fumigation, the home is ventilated before re-entry

Expect a detailed checklist from the pest control company with steps on how to prepare, what to remove, and when it’s safe to return.

7. Interior Spot Treatments

If termites are isolated to a specific area, localized treatments such as foam injections, wood treatments, or heat treatments may be used. This approach is less disruptive and highly effective for smaller infestations.

Technicians will:

• Drill into walls or wood surfaces

• Inject termiticides or apply products directly to affected areas

• Seal holes and clean the site afterward

These spot treatments allow you to remain in the home during the process, though some rooms may be off-limits temporarily.

8. Post-Treatment Clean-Up and Restoration

After the treatment is completed, the pest control team will clean up the treated areas, refill soil trenches, and seal any drilled holes with wood putty or concrete. If any drywall or paneling was disturbed, they may offer to patch it or recommend contractors for repairs.

While most treatments are non-invasive, expect minor cosmetic work in some cases—especially after fumigation or drilling.

9. Monitoring and Follow-Up Visits

Termite control doesn't end after the initial treatment. Monitoring is essential to ensure the colony is fully eliminated and to catch any signs of reinfestation early.

Depending on your treatment type, follow-up visits may include:

• Checking bait stations every few weeks or months

• Reapplying termiticide where needed

• Inspecting treated zones to confirm effectiveness

• Providing a service report with findings

Ongoing monitoring—especially for homes in high-risk termite areas—is one of the best ways to maintain long-term protection.

10. Warranty and Long-Term Prevention Advice

Reputable pest control companies often offer warranties or service guarantees for termite treatments. This may include:

• Free re-treatment if termites return within a set period

• Annual inspections as part of a maintenance plan

• Termite protection bonds that are transferable when selling your home

Additionally, expect to receive advice on preventing future infestations, such as:

• Fixing leaky plumbing or gutters

• Keeping wood and mulch away from your home’s foundation

• Installing vapor barriers in crawlspaces

• Reducing soil-to-wood contact

This guidance, combined with professional treatment, helps ensure your home remains termite-free in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Termite treatment may seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the process helps you feel more confident and prepared. Whether you're dealing with subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites, professional pest control ensures the problem is handled safely, effectively, and with long-term success in mind.

By knowing what to expect—from inspection to follow-up—you can protect your biggest investment and maintain a strong, pest-free home for years to come.

Don’t wait for visible damage to appear. If you suspect termites or live in an area prone to infestations, contact a licensed pest control professional today and take the first step toward safeguarding your home.