Skip to content
HireLocal
Reviewed by Tom ReillySenior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting
Comparison

Pest control vs termite treatment

General pest control vs specialized termite treatment. Compare methods, costs, and when you need each service.

General pest control targets common household invaders — ants, roaches, spiders, mice, and wasps — using sprays, baits, traps, and exclusion methods. A quarterly service plan typically costs $100–$300 per visit. Termite treatment is a specialized service that addresses subterranean or drywood termites using liquid barrier treatments ($3–$16 per linear foot), bait stations ($8–$12 per station), or whole-structure fumigation ($1,200–$2,500 for an average home). Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S. alone, so early detection and professional treatment are critical. Most general pest control plans do not include termite coverage — it requires a separate inspection and contract.

Pest Control vs Termite Treatment

FeaturePest ControlTermite Treatment
Best forChoose general pest control for routine prevention and treatment of common household pests like ants, roaches, spiders, and rodents — a quarterly plan keeps your home protected year-round.Choose termite treatment when you notice mud tubes on foundation walls, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows, or if a termite inspection reveals an active colony — delay risks serious structural damage.
When to call

Call a pest control when…

Choose general pest control for routine prevention and treatment of common household pests like ants, roaches, spiders, and rodents — a quarterly plan keeps your home protected year-round.

When to call

Call a termite treatment when…

Choose termite treatment when you notice mud tubes on foundation walls, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows, or if a termite inspection reveals an active colony — delay risks serious structural damage.

Related issues

Common Issues