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

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

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage a year around the country. However, they are not the first thing the average Massachusetts resident thinks about when hiring an exterminator. Termites are often considered a problem in the southern and southwestern United States, but they are also a problem in the Northeast. Estimates suggest around 20 percent of homes and properties in Massachusetts may have termites. The speed at which termites grow and spread means the number of houses infested with termites will increase as time passes.

Most termite treatments in Massachusetts are designed to fight subterranean termites. Fortunately, homeowners do not have to worry about drywood termites in the home’s upper floors. However, it remains important to be on the lookout for termites in all areas of the home. Massachusetts homeowners pay between $355 and $1,400 for termite treatment. The average cost is $600 to treat termites, including a liquid treatment placed around the perimeter of a 2,500 sq. ft. house. On the low end, Massachusetts homeowners can expect to pay about $280, which covers a basic inspection and a barrier treatment around a garage. On the high end, homeowners who want their 2,500 sq.ft. house tented with a barrier treatment can expect to pay $7,600.

Cost of Termite Treatment in Massachusetts

Tent vs No Tent Termite Treatment Cost in Massachusetts

Termite treatments fall into two categories: tent and tentless. Tentless treatments fight subterranean and other termites that prefer to live under the ground or outside the home. Most treatments in Massachusetts are tentless because virtually all termites found in Massachusetts are the Eastern subterranean variety of termites. On the other hand, tent treatments fight drywood termites and infestations inside homes. It is quite uncommon to see homes tented in Massachusetts; however, it is helpful to understand all the available treatment options.

The cost for tentless termite treatments in Massachusetts runs between $3.50 and $18.75 per linear foot. A linear foot is a measure of length and width that the exterminator uses to determine how much product they must use and the overall cost. Massachusetts residents pay a little more than the nationwide average of $3 to $16 per linear foot because the cost of living is higher in Massachusetts versus the nation. Tentless treatments commonly include liquid treatments in the ground and bait traps around the property. For tenting, the rate ranges from $1.15 to $3.50 per sq.ft. versus $1 to $3 per sq.ft. nationwide. Tenting features a large tent placed over the home that is then sealed and filled with a heat or chemical treatment.

Termite Treatment Cost in Massachusetts per Square Foot

Tenting termite treatments in Massachusetts measured by the square foot range from $1,150 on the low end for a 1,000 sq.ft. house and $10,500 on the high end for a 3,000 sq.ft. house. Those figures are based on tenting costs that range between $1.15 and $3.50 per sq.ft. Average home sizes in Massachusetts are on the smaller side of the national average because many homes were constructed several decades ago when average home sizes were much smaller. Use the table below to estimate the cost or multiply the square footage of your home by $1.15 and $3.50 to figure out the estimated range for tenting termites.

Termite Treatment Cost in Massachusetts per Linear Foot

Tentless termite treatments in Massachusetts cost between $3.50 and $18.75 per linear foot, a little higher than the national average of $3 to $16 per linear foot. Costs in Massachusetts are higher for most services due to a higher cost of living. Densely populated cities like Boston usually skew to the higher side, while rural areas of the state sit on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Most homeowners in Massachusetts need tentless termite treatments to fight subterranean termites. For a small property, expect to pay $350 to $1,875 to treat 100 linear feet. For a large property, the costs are between $1,400 and $7,500.

Termite Control Cost in Massachusetts by Frequency

Fighting termites often requires more than one visit from the treatment company. Some homeowners find it helpful to sign up for a termite contract. Visit frequencies range from one visit a year at the cost of $215 to $470 to monthly visits from $775 to $1,060. A monthly visit is helpful for homeowners with a severe problem who need frequent treatments. A yearly visit is helpful as a check to make sure termites have not returned after initial treatment.

Quarterly visits are another option at $280 to $660 and are helpful for ongoing treatments like bait traps for subterranean termites, which are very common in Massachusetts. Contracts are not required, even if a homeowner needs multiple visits to eradicate their termites. Homeowners can settle for a one-time visit at the cost of $230 to $560. A single visit is helpful when the infestation is small or a homeowner wants to make sure termites are no longer a threat before putting the home up for sale.

Massachusetts Termite Treatment Cost by Severity of Infestation

A termite invasion is terrible at any size, but costs skyrocket when an infestation is left to grow for months or years. Often, subterranean termite infestations are not obvious until they are quite advanced because termites are excellent at hiding and remaining underground. Catching an infestation at an early point means paying between $290 and $1,415 for treatment. On the other end of the spectrum, however, a severe infestation costs $1,415 to $7,680 to treat. Signs that help you identify a termite infestation early include seeing discarded wings during the termite swarming seasons of spring and summer and termite droppings or mud tubes near the wooden structures around your property.

By the time you hear creaky floorboards and have trouble opening and closing windows, your infestation has likely reached a medium size. Large to severe infestations may become obvious with drywall that looks permanently wet, sagging walls and ceilings, and wood shavings everywhere on the ground or floor. Unfortunately, many infestations in Massachusetts reach the severe level because subterranean termites are difficult to detect until they have done some serious damage.

Termite Treatment Cost in Massachusetts by Type of Termite

Virtually all termites found in Massachusetts are Eastern subterranean termites, which are incredibly destructive and capable of becoming huge colonies due to how easy it is for them to remain undetected and grow underground without anyone stopping their advance. Treating subterranean termites in Massachusetts costs between $290 and $1,775. Eastern subterranean termites often grow into huge underground colonies and do years of damage to structures before homeowners detect their presence.

The best way to avoid severe damage is by getting inspections each year and preventing the termites from setting up a large colony over several years. Also, treating the home immediately when subterranean termites are identified is essential. Other types of termites like drywood and dampwood termites are not native to Massachusetts. However, it is important to remain aware of other termite species just in case they appear in the state. Treating drywood termites costs between $1,180 and $7,600 and is normally handled with tenting. Treating dampwood termites ranges between $100 and $590.

Termite Inspection Massachusetts Cost

Just as one might get a roof inspection every year or have the water heater looked at each year, it is best to get a termite inspection once a year. An inspection costs between $150 and $260, but homeowners may get a free inspection when they sign up for a contract or a reduced rate on the inspection when they agree to a treatment plan. Homeowners should get an inspection once a year whether they have never found termites or already gotten treatment for an infestation. All homes in Massachusetts are always under the threat of termite infestations. Over time, a yearly inspection will almost always cost less than letting an infestation go undetected for many years.

During the inspection, the termite professional looks at all the hidden and low-lying areas of the home where termites might appear. With subterranean termites, the inspector will examine the foundation and the yard to look for signs of dead termites or holes in the wood or around the foundation of the home. The inspection also examines dark places where termites might feel safe, like closets, cabinets, attics, and basements.

Signs of Termites in Massachusetts

Termites are most commonly detected during their swarming seasons when they emerge from their hidden colonies. Still, Massachusetts homeowners should not rely on visual evidence of termites to determine whether an infestation is present. It is also important to keep an eye out for mud tubes or termite droppings near the floor level or around the foundation of the home, which may indicate a subterranean termite infestation. When an infestation becomes severe, the house may start to bend and sag as the termites eat the wooden support structures.

How Often Should You Treat for Termites in Massachusetts?

Treating subterranean termites usually requires multiple visits from an exterminator, which means the treatment schedule may require monthly or quarterly visits. Homeowners should treat termites as soon as they are found because finding a single termite wing is never the end of the story. After examining the home and property, the treatment company will create a schedule that allows for the successful removal and eradication of all termites. Common schedules include monthly, quarterly, and yearly treatment visits.

How to Prevent Termites in Massachusetts

Since most of the termites in Massachusetts are subterranean termites, one of the best ways to prevent termite infestations is to keep the yard clear of old and decaying wood. A house full of wood is a huge lure for subterranean termites. However, homeowners can slow their advance by ensuring that there are no old fences, rotting tree stumps, or piles of old wood in the yard. These items attract termites and allow them to migrate closer and closer to the home over time. In addition to keeping the yard clear of old wood, a clean house helps prevent termites. Clean floors and walls make it easy to check for signs of termites.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Subterranean termites are difficult to handle without professional equipment and treatment. It is best to leave bait traps and liquid treatments to the professionals. However, homeowners can help by conducting routine home inspections for signs of termites.
• Season. Termites are most active when they swarm in the spring and summer and may emerge on a warm day after recent rainfall. However, termites actively feed on wood all year long, even if they are not visible or engaging in swarming activities.
• Insurance. Homeowners can’t rely on their insurance to treat termites because pest control isn’t covered. Insurance companies consider pest control a responsibility of the homeowner and part of regularly scheduled maintenance.
• Warranty. Some new homes feature termite warranties due to the use of pre-construction treatment added when the house was built. It is best never to assume a warranty is in place, however. Always read warranties and policies to confirm the warranty.
• Pre-construction treatment. There is no rule in Massachusetts requiring pre-construction treatments for termites. However, most termite treatment companies perform the work when a house is constructed. These treatments help prevent termites for several years after initial construction.
• Termite companies in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is not a ferocious hotbed of termite activity. However, several small businesses treat termites in Massachusetts, and all the major companies have a presence. Some termite treatment companies treat other insects, which is convenient for homeowners with multiple infestations.
• Repairing termite damage. It is also important to consider home repairs when dealing with termites. A large or severe infestation may require repair of structural timbers, the foundation, wood furniture, and exterior wooden items like fences or gazebos.
• Bonds. Bonds are insurance against future infestations. They are for those homeowners who want a guarantee that the termite company will treat any new infestations that happen after the initial treatment.