General pest control vs termite treatment
General pest control vs termite treatment: one is routine maintenance, the other is structural defense. Compare scope, cost, and when each is needed.
General pest control is a broad, recurring service that manages common household pests — ants, spiders, roaches, mice, and seasonal invaders like stink bugs or wasps. A quarterly plan costs $100–$300 per visit (or $400–$1,200/year). The technician applies a perimeter barrier (granular or liquid insecticide around the foundation), treats entry points, sets rodent bait stations, and addresses specific infestations. It's preventive maintenance — like an oil change for your house. Termite treatment is a specialized, high-stakes service focused entirely on one pest that causes $5+ billion in U.S. property damage annually. There are two main approaches: liquid barrier treatment (trenching and injecting termiticide like Termidor around the foundation, $1,500–$4,000 for a typical home, lasts 5–10 years) and bait station systems (Sentricon or similar, $1,200–$3,500 installed plus $200–$400/year monitoring). A standard pest control plan does NOT cover termites — termites require their own contract, warranty, and treatment protocol. Many pest control companies offer both services but as separate agreements with separate pricing.
Pest Control vs Termite Treatment
| Feature | Pest Control | Termite Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Choose a general pest control plan as ongoing quarterly maintenance for common pests — ants, spiders, roaches, rodents — especially if you live in a climate where pest pressure is year-round or you've had recurring infestations. | Choose termite treatment when you find evidence of termites (mud tubes, damaged wood, swarmers), when buying a home that needs a termite clearance letter, or as preventive protection for homes in high-termite-risk regions (Southeast US, Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast). |
Call a pest control when…
Choose a general pest control plan as ongoing quarterly maintenance for common pests — ants, spiders, roaches, rodents — especially if you live in a climate where pest pressure is year-round or you've had recurring infestations.
Call a termite treatment when…
Choose termite treatment when you find evidence of termites (mud tubes, damaged wood, swarmers), when buying a home that needs a termite clearance letter, or as preventive protection for homes in high-termite-risk regions (Southeast US, Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast).