How much does it cost to get rid of termites in Tucson?

Reviewed by Irene Pomares remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

More than 3,000 species of termites exist around the world, but Tucson residents only need to worry about two types: the desert subterranean termite and the western drywood termite. Some areas of Arizona are also home to desert dampwood termites, but they are not a concern for Tucson homeowners. Unfortunately, subterranean and drywood termites are both capable of immense damage to homes. Homeowners must understand the signs of termites, get annual inspections, and treat their termites as soon as there is evidence of an infestation.

Treating termites in Tucson ranges from $310 to $1,235 for a 2,500 sq.ft. house. Prices for termite services in Tucson are a little lower than other metropolitan areas in Arizona like Phoenix and are marginally lower than the overall Arizona state average. On average, Tucson homeowners should expect a cost of approximately $525 for an inspection and a barrier treatment. For a liquid treatment around the perimeter of a garage, homeowners can see costs as low as $235. For large infestations like a drywood termite infestation that requires full house tenting with a heat treatment and a barrier treatment for a 2,500 sq.ft. home, Tucson homeowners should be prepared to pay about $6,500.

Cost of Termite Treatment in Tucson

Tent vs No Tent Termite Treatment Cost in Tucson

Termite treatment companies have multiple methods to kill termites. The type of termite infesting the home dictates the treatment plan the exterminator will create. Treatments fall under two categories: tent and tentless treatments. Tentless treatments are common in Tucson because of the prevalence of subterranean termites, which make their homes underground and require that exterminators drive liquid into the ground or place bait traps near vulnerable or infested areas. The nationwide average for tentless treatments is $3 to $16 per linear foot. However, Tucsonites pay just a little more at $3.05 to $16.70 per sq.ft. due to Arizona’s slightly higher cost of living.

For Tucson homeowners who find they have drywood termites, the best solution for getting rid of the infestation is a tent treatment. These treatments require that the exterminator place a giant sealed tent over the entire house. Then, the treatment team injects a chemical or heat into the house to kill the termites. Tenting treatments are priced by the square foot and range from $1 to $3.05 per sq.ft., a slightly larger range than the nationwide average of $1 to $3 per sq.ft. Treatment companies may also use extra spot treatments around the property after tenting to make sure termites do not return.

Termite Treatment in Tucson Cost per Square Foot

Treatment plans measured in square feet range from $1 to $3.05 per sq.ft. in Tucson, slightly above the national average of $1 to $3. The cost to treat a 1,000 sq.ft. house starts at a low of $1,000 and rises to a high of $9,150 for a 3,000 sq.ft. home. The average home in Arizona is about 1,800 sq.ft. New homes are often built in the 2,500 to 3,000 sq.ft. range, which increases the overall cost of tenting. Tenting treatments can get expensive, but they are incredibly effective at eliminating termites for a long time.

Termite Treatment Cost in Tucson per Linear Foot

Subterranean termites are more common in Tucson than drywood termites. Many homeowners pay for their treatment based on linear feet, a measure of length and width. The cost per linear foot in Tucson is $3.05 to $16.70, just over the nationwide average of $3 to $16 per linear foot. Costs in Tucson are just a little above the national average for most services. Homeowners pay anywhere from $305 to $6,680, depending on the size of their property and the treatments required to take care of their termite problem.

Termite Control in Tucson Cost by Frequency

Termite treatments for all but the smallest jobs will usually require more than one visit, especially if the termite company places bait traps throughout the property and needs to replace them after a few months. Signing up for a termite contract may offer the most affordable solution for Tucson termite removal when multiple visits are required, or the infestation requires repeated treatments for full effectiveness. A yearly visit costs $180 to $405, a quarterly contract costs between $245 and $565, and a monthly contract costs between $670 and $915.

In many cases, a very small infestation that the exterminator can handle with a few spot treatments may only require a once yearly visit, just to make sure the infestation has not advanced. For a larger infestation where the exterminator delivers liquid treatments into the ground, a quarterly contract may be the best choice. Homeowners who want to prevent a growing infestation from getting out of control may want the assurance of a monthly contract and frequent applications of termite-killing traps or bait. It is worth noting, however, that a contract is not a requirement. Homeowners can also choose a single visit for $205 to $495.

Termite Treatment Cost in Tucson by Severity of Infestation

Infestations not only feature different types of termites, but they are also capable of growing to enormous sizes. If a Tucson homeowner is lucky enough to catch an infestation while it is small, treating it will cost between $255 and $1,230. On the other hand, a severe infestation costs $1,230 to $6,590. Termite infestations in Tucson are often an insidious and difficult-to-detect problem. Termite companies can deal with any infestation, even if it is a colony of drywood termites that have destroyed part of the home. Termite infestations will always grow, so the most cost-effective move will always be to apply treatment as soon as possible.

Drywood and subterranean termite colonies are both capable of becoming severe and are both found in Tucson. However, the subterranean termites have hundreds of thousands of members in the colony versus a few thousand in a drywood colony. They migrate underground and eventually impact the foundation of the home, often becoming a medium to large infestation before the homeowner is aware of their existence. Drywood termites are a little easier to detect, with their habit of infesting the upper wooden portions of the home. Their colonies do not usually grow as fast as the subterranean type. Whether small or severe, time is of the essence in the fight against termites.

Cost of Termite Treatment in Tucson by Type of Termite

Arizona has several types of termites, but there are only two kinds that homeowners regularly see in Tucson. Infestations are often subterranean termites and, to a lesser degree, drywood termites. Some cities also have problems with dampwood termites, but they are not a concern for Tucson residents. Fighting subterranean termites in Tucson costs between $255 and $1,525 and entails tentless treatments like bait traps. The termite company will try to create a secure perimeter around the home to help avoid future infestations. However, subterranean termites burrow underground, which means they can eventually return.

Treating an infestation of drywood termites costs between $1,035 and $6,600 and often requires tenting for large infestations. Some small infestations may respond well to spot treatments, but tenting is often the best choice to ensure total eradication. Tenting is an effective removal method for drywood termites. After the exterminator completes the treatment, the homeowner should not need to tent again for several years. However, it may behoove the homeowner to add a yearly inspection after treatment to help prevent another infestation.

Termite Inspection Tucson Cost

It is incredibly common for homes in Tucson and across Arizona to develop termites, which means inspections are worth their weight in gold. Inspections cost $50 to $150. Most termite companies recommend a yearly inspection. Some termite contracts include inspections. However, it is best to confirm to make sure, so you can decide whether to pursue a contract or just get a single inspection. Small infestations are easier to treat than severe infestations, so catching the problem early not only reduces the cost of treatment but also the repairs that might become necessary once the termites start destroying the home’s structure.

During a termite inspection, the termite professional searches the home from top to bottom for evidence of termites. The process usually takes a few hours and depends on the size of the home and overall property. A home on three acres usually takes slightly longer to inspect than a cozy residence in a tract home neighborhood. The inspector looks for signs of termites like wings and mud tubes and for evidence of damaged or warped wood, indicating termite activity.

How Often Should You Treat Termites in Tucson?

Homeowners should try to eradicate termites as soon as they are detected. However, termite treatment is rarely permanent. The type of termite a homeowner finds influences the treatment schedule that will keep them at bay with the greatest success. For drywood termites, homeowners who tent their homes can live relatively termite free for several years. However, a yearly inspection is still recommended. Homeowners with subterranean termites should consider a more frequent schedule of treatments and yearly inspections. It is difficult to fully eradicate subterranean termites because they burrow deep in the ground and hide.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Treating termites is a job for professionals. Not only can they use the chemicals that might be required to eradicate an infestation, but also they are the only ones who can fully tent a house or use effective liquid treatments in the ground.
• Season. Termites are active at all times of the year but are most visible when they swarm. Homeowners usually see them in the spring and fall but should always assume that the termites are destroying the home even when they are not visible.
• Insurance. Homeowners must pay for their termite treatment out of pocket because homeowners insurance does not cover pest control. Insurance will also not fix the home if it’s damaged by termites.
• Warranty. Some new homes have a warranty against termite infestations for a set number of years (usually three). Pre-construction treatments are designed to last. Homeowners can get free treatment if they get termites within that time frame.
• Pre-construction treatment. Virtually all homes built in Arizona and termite-impacted areas get a pre-construction treatment for the ground before the construction crew pours the foundation. Some companies also use treated wood.
• Tucson termite companies. Homeowners have their pick of termite control companies in Tucson. Nationwide companies and single-site small business local termite companies offer services.
• Signs of termites in Tucson. Some of the most obvious signs of termites are wings on the ground. However, the appearance of wood shavings on the floor or mud tubes around the foundation is also suspect. Always call an inspector if you suspect termites.
• How to prevent termites in Tucson. Keeping a yard free of old wood and a clean home can do wonders for preventing termites. Removing food sources for termites means they are less likely to attack. Also, a clean home makes it easier to see termites.