How Long Does a Termite Treatment Last? – (All Methods Explained)
Introduction
Homeowners always ask, “How long does termite treatment last?”
Short answer: It depends
It’s fair to worry. Termites are silent destroyers, eating away at wood and structures before you even notice. Knowing the termite treatment duration and how to protect your home for the long term is very important.
In this blog, we’ll break down the typical lifespan of termite treatments, factors that affect it, why picking the right company matters, and top termite protection tips for homeowners to keep your properties and house safe.
Comparison Table of Termite Treatments & How long it lasts?
| Treatment Type | Duration | Prevents Future Infestation? | Needs Refill? | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Construction Treatment | 7–10+ years | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | New Homes, Villas, Buildings Under Construction |
| Post-Construction Treatment | 3 -5 years | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Existing Homes, Offices, Apartments |
| Bait Stations | 1–2 years | ✅ Yes (with monitoring) | ✅ Yes | Sensitive or No-Drill Areas |
| Heat Treatment | 1-time only | ❌ No | ❌ No | Furniture & Spot Woodwork |
| Tenting / Fumigation | Temporary | ❌ No | ❌ No | Not very popular in houses |
Types of Termite Treatments & How Long They Last?
1. Liquid Termite Treatment (Soil Barrier Method)
( Generally, this method lasts 3-5 Years of Pre-Construction & 10 Years of Post Construction )
The truth is, termite treatment doesn’t last forever. How long it works depends on whether it’s done before or after your building is constructed. This is called Pre- and Post-Construction Termite Treatment. The chemicals used and the environment around your home are real factors.
- Pre-construction termite treatment lifespan:
- Usually lasts up to 10 years, as it’s applied under the foundation before the building is constructed. ( Preventing the termite while the building is under construction )
- Post-construction termite treatment:
- Generally lasts between 3 to 5 years, because it involves drilling into existing floors and walls to treat the soil underneath.
That is why prevention is better than cure. Pre-Construction Termite Control, which is done while the building is under construction, lasts longer, and companies offer longer warranty periods.
This average termite treatment duration changes based on your property, local soil, climate, and maintenance. That’s why many professionals recommend frequent pest inspection, which is done by pest control companies.
Generally, pest control companies charge highly for a termite inspection. At DMJ Pest Control, we offer free inspections for Termite control in Chennai.
Liquid Termite Treatment (Soil Barrier Method) Lasts: 5 – 10 years
DMJ Warranty: 2 Years (extendable to 5 with AMC)
2. Bait Station Method
( Generally, this method lasts 1 to 2 years if maintained properly )
Termite baits are long, tube-shaped devices (about 23 – 32 cm) that are placed in the ground to attract and kill termites. They look like small vented cylinders with a safety cap on top, which has tiny grills for airflow. When installed, they’re buried in soil so termites can easily reach them and carry the bait back to their colony.
- Termite Baits are very easy to fix, It can be fixed with three simple steps like Drill, Fill, and Seal.
- The Termite Bait Station needs regular monitoring and refill.
- This is not popular in India and Chennai, popular in Europe and American houses.
- Lasts : 1 – 2 Years
To know more about termite bait stations.
3. Heat Treatment
( Short Term & No Prevention )
This Treatment is used for killing termites in the short term and provides no other prevention.
Hot air (above 49°C or 130°F) is used to kill termites inside furniture or wood.
- Only kills existing termites
- Lasts: Short-term – does not prevent future attacks
- Best for: Furniture and localized areas
To know more about termite heat treatment.
4. Tenting & Gas Fumigation ( Termite Treatment )
( No long-term protection, Only kill live termites )
The entire building is covered with a tent and filled with gas to kill termites.
To know more about tenting and gas fumigation.
- Rarely used in India (more common in Europe & America)
- Lasts: Only kills live termites, no long-term protection
Factors That Affect How Long Termite Treatment Lasts
Type of Termite
- Soil termites (Subterranean), Normally lives under the soil.
- Wood termites (Drywood), normally live inside the furniture or wooden walls.
Different termites need different types of treatment. Using the wrong treatment method for the wrong termite species can impact termite treatment quality.
Soil and Weather
The soil and weather play a major role. If the soil is dry, the termite treatment lasts longer.
If the soil is wet and the weather is always rainy, the termite treatment doesn’t last long.
Building Type
- If Termite treatment is done before the house is built (pre-construction), it generally lasts longer.
- If treatment is done after the house is built (post-construction), it may not last as long because it’s harder to reach every spot.
Follow-up and Check-ups
- If you don’t check regularly, termite treatment doesn’t last longer.
- It’s good to have a termite inspection every year.
3 Easy Steps to Make Termite Treatment Last Longer
- Fix water leaks ( As I said, The termites are attracted to water and wet soil )
- Don’t keep wood near walls ( Termites are attracted to wood, cardboard and easily hide on them )
- Do pest control checkup every Year
Final Thoughts
Termite treatment is not just a one-time process. It is recommended to get your house inspected by a pest control company every year.
If you are in Chennai, India, we will inspect your houses for free for Pest Control Services in Chennai.
FAQ – People Also Ask
No, even the best termite treatment doesn’t last forever. Pre-construction can last up to 10 years, post-construction 3–5 years.
It depends; get your home inspected every year. Re-treatment may be needed every 3–5 years, depending on the termite infection.
Again, it depends on the area where you live. We, DMJ Pest Control serve Pest Control services in Chennai. Here is our complete price list and pest control price calculator.
We drill at joint lines and corners, seal everything neatly. Most clients say it’s invisible post-treatment.
