The 5 Best Termite Treatments & Sprays for DIY Pest Control

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BEST OVERALL TERMITE TREATMENT

Spectracide Terminate Complete Kit

79.8830% OFF$56 at Amazon

If you’re looking for an all-in-one termite treatment kit, the Terminate Complete Kit from Spectracide, a well-known and trusted pest control brand, is the way to go. This kit detects termite activity via pop-up indicators staked in the ground and then proceeds to kill foraging termites.

It comes with 15 stakes and a digging tool, and according to the product information, it shouldn’t take longer than 20 to 30 minutes to install. Once installed, the stakes last a whopping 12 months! The main drawback is that this product is harmful to pets, so it’s not an ideal set-it-and-leave-it solution for owners of curious animals.

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BEST BUDGET TERMITE TREATMENT

BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus

$24.98 at Lowe's

For a wallet-friendly price, this is one of the best termite treatments that covers substantial square and linear footage. Plus, it kills subterranean termites (the most common kind in the U.S.) and about 60 (yes, 60!) other bugs, including ants, roaches, ticks, fleas and other common household pests.

The ready-to-use formula can also be safely sprayed indoors (concentrates cannot, so read product labels carefully). Better yet, this product features a battery-powered sprayer, so there will be no more cramping and constantly switching hands when treating your yard or home perimeter.

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BEST PET-SAFE TERMITE TREATMENT

Control Solutions Taurus SC

$51.10 at Walmart

Technically, many pest control treatments are not harmful to pets once they have completely dried. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry with a guaranteed safe option. For peace of mind and termite control, Control Solutions Taurus SC Insecticide Termiticide is a quality option. The active ingredient is fipronil (at 9.1% in this product), which is the same active ingredient used in many topical flea and tick treatments for pets. As long as you abide by the label, this product is safe for use around pets.

Taurus SC will require more work than many other DIY best termite treatments. You have to dig a 6-inch trench and pour the product into it, covering it back up. However, when all the hard work is done, the treatment can last for up to 10 years, killing off existing termite colonies in 90 days or less.

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BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR TERMITE TREATMENT

Harris Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control Treatment

$27.99 at Amazon

For an easy-to-use indoor/outdoor termite treatment, try this pick from Harris. This spray can reach tight cracks and crevices indoors. Plus, it serves as a perimeter spray to keep bugs away from the foundation of your home and from entering through small openings.

This product is also non-staining and odorless, so it won’t make your home smell like a chemical pit in the event you need to use it indoors. It’s long-lasting, too, keeping pests at bay for up to a month. The 1-gallon container comes with a trigger spray to get the job done quickly.

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BEST FOAM TERMITE TREATMENT

Basf Termidor Foam

$33.62 at Amazon

A direct chemical action treatment is best for spot treatments and wall voids. This pressurized foam uses fipronil to kill termites and other pests. It’s non-repellent, which means the pests don’t detect it, and that causes them to accidentally infect an entire colony—killing the termites at the source.

Thanks to the expansion ratio of 30:1, 1 ounce of product dispensed from the nozzle becomes about 5 quarts of foam in just a few seconds. This product is ideal for hot spots like bath traps, non-sealed wooden components in decks and patios, attics and crawl spaces, pipe chases and other hard-to-reach areas.

What to Consider When Buying a Termite Treatment

Types of Termite Treatments 

• Liquid Termiticide: This termite treatment, applied as a direct spray or injected into affected wood, acts as a contact poison, killing any termites that come into contact with it. It can eliminate existing termite populations but might not completely stop an infestation from progressing.
• Bait Systems: These systems use poisoned bait disguised as food to trick termites into carrying poison back to their colony. This method is ideal for addressing larger infestations and can target and eliminate termites at their source.
• Fumigation: One of the most comprehensive termite treatments, filling an entire home with a lethal gas that can penetrate deep into areas where termites might hide. This method effectively eliminates termites that are otherwise hard to reach. However, its biggest drawback is the need to vacate the premises, as the gas is dangerous to humans, pets and plants.
• Professional Treatment: Pest control experts may use a combination of tactics depending on the severity of the infestation. They’re skilled at identifying the extent of the problem and can offer more comprehensive, effective treatments than those typically available to DIY homeowners. This expertise allows them to tailor solutions to the specific needs of each infestation, ensuring a more thorough and lasting resolution. “If you’ve ever had a termite problem, it’s essential to have your home inspеcted by a professional at least once a year,” says Carpenter. “Your pest control provider can then advise you on whether any further action is necessary.”

Effectiveness 

Some termite treatments are more effective than others at addressing the root of the problem. For example, liquid treatments need direct contact to work, which might eliminate termites in a specific area but won’t reach colonies deep within your home’s walls. Bait systems, on the other hand, can target an entire colony, but there’s no guarantee the poison will reach the queen. Fumigation is one of the most effective methods but also the most invasive, requiring homeowners to vacate the premises temporarily.

Safety Features 

Cost Considerations 

Liquid termiticide and bait systems are typically the most affordable termite treatments, whether DIY or professionally applied. DIY treatments cost around $20 to $50, while professional applications range from $400 to $1,500. Fumigation, on the other hand, is more expensive, requiring professional application at a cost of $2,000 to $5,000. Due to its higher cost, fumigation is best reserved for severe infestations, but it remains one of the most effective methods. It can be worth the investment when the situation warrants it.

Professional vs. DIY

“In our experience, we often encounter homeowners who are convinced that termites only infest houses with a lot of old or damaged wood, that infestations are always easy to detect, that termites only appear in warm climates, and that one quick treatment will be sufficient,” says Carpenter. “These are all misconceptions.”

While DIY termite treatments might seem tempting, they could do more harm than good if you’re not a pest control professional. Spraying and baiting without a reliable way to confirm the infestation has been fully eradicated might cause the problem to worsen. As the infestation grows, so does the risk to your home, potentially leading to severe structural damage. In extreme cases, your home could even face condemnation, especially if it’s older or the infestation is particularly advanced. For this reason, consulting a professional before choosing a treatment method is often the wisest course of action.

Why You Should Trust Us

Amanda Capritto is an accomplished writer in the home, outdoors, travel, fitness and health niches. Her exceptional work has appeared in numerous trusted publications, including Health Magazine, Shape Magazine, Lonely Planet, Matador Network, Reader’s Digest, CNET, LIVESTRONG, Health Journal, CleanPlates, Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, The Balance Money, Investopedia, Health and more.

For this article, we consulted Nicole Carpenter, president and CEO of Black Pest Prevention. She has worked in the pest control industry for two decades, including while attending N.C. State University.

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

How We Found the Best Termite Treatments

As termites pose a significant threat with potentially serious consequences, we sought expert advice to guide us through the best treatment methods. After gaining insight into various termite treatments and their DIY applications, we researched brands and products in the field. We focused on professional testimony and customer reviews to assess effectiveness. From dozens of options, we selected the best-reviewed products, ultimately narrowing the list down to the five most effective solutions now presented.

FAQ

How long does a termite treatment last?

“Liquid termiticides are designed to last five to 10 years,” says Carpenter. “The same applies to fumigation, while bait stations should be checked by a professional every three to 12 months.”

It’s important to note that all termiticides lose effectiveness over time, but their longevity varies based on several factors. These include the active ingredient, its concentration, the treatment location and quantity, the porosity of the area and environmental conditions like rainfall. Some DIY treatments last as little as a month, while others last up to a year. High-quality options, like Taurus SC, can remain effective for several years, offering long-term protection.

What are the signs of a termite infestation? 

When assessing your home for a termite infestation, look for signs such as:

• Discolored or damaged drywall, including small pinpoint holes
• Peeling paint, which may resemble water damage
• Buckling or bubbling wood flooring
• Wood that crumbles or sounds hollow when tapped
• Mounds of termite droppings, which look like small piles of salt or pepper
• Discarded termite wings or dead swarmers
• Mud tubes along the exterior foundation or walls are often used by termites to travel

These indicators suggest potential termite activity and should be addressed promptly.

Is it safe to use termite chemicals in homes with pets or children? 

While targeted termite pesticides are generally safe for pets and children, any exposure to chemicals designed to kill pests poses some risk. To minimize potential harm, it’s best to implement safety measures, such as temporarily sealing off the treated areas or, if feasible, vacating the house for a few days. Taking these precautions can reduce the risk of exposure and ensure your household stays safe during the termite treatment process.