Termite inspection and treatment for humid East Texas construction
We inspect for entry points first, then quote by the linear footage of your actual foundation.
East Texas sits inside one of the state's higher-pressure termite regions. Roughly 51 inches of rain a year moves through sandy-loam soil that stays damp far longer than the clay found farther west, and Nacogdoches winters rarely deliver a hard, sustained freeze that would push termite colonies dormant for good. Both subterranean termites and Formosan termites, a more aggressive introduced species, are active in this part of the state. Formosan colonies typically swarm in spring after a warm rain, often in April, which is also our wettest month at close to 4.7 inches on average. If you've seen a swarm of winged insects near a light fixture or window in early spring, that timing lines up with what we see county-wide.
What termite service costs
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Inspection | $95, waived if you book treatment same visit |
| Liquid trench-and-treat | $850 to $2,200 |
| Bait station system, install | $950 to $1,600 |
| Bait station monitoring, after year 1 | $225/year |
| Wood-destroying insect report | $135 |
Liquid treatment price depends on linear footage of foundation and whether the home is slab or pier-and-beam. Pier-and-beam crawlspaces take longer to treat and cost more at the high end of the range.
How an inspection runs
- Exterior walk. Foundation, weep holes, wood-to-soil contact points, and any mud tubes get checked first.
- Interior check. Baseboards, window frames, and any accessible crawlspace or attic areas for damage or activity.
- Moisture read. We note gutter runoff, sprinkler overspray, and grading that keeps soil wet against the foundation.
- Written findings. You get a plain description of what we found, not just a checkbox form.
- Treatment quote. Liquid or bait, priced to your foundation footage, on the spot.
What makes termite treatment harder
Older homes inside the Sterne-Hoya, Virginia Avenue, and Zion Hill historic overlay districts often have original wood siding, foundation piers, and additions built without a documented permit, which means the crawlspace layout doesn't always match what's visible from outside. Pier-and-beam construction with limited crawlspace clearance slows a liquid trench job because we're working under the house instead of around it. A deck, patio, or slab addition poured tight against the original foundation can block a full trench line and forces us to drill instead, which adds time. We flag all of this at the inspection, before you're quoted a number that assumes an easy job.
A standard inspection runs 30 to 45 minutes. Liquid trench treatment on an average slab home takes 3 to 5 hours in one day. Bait station installation around a typical lot perimeter takes 1 to 2 hours, with the first full monitoring check at 90 days.
What we don't cover: we treat active termite pressure and prevent new entry. We don't do structural wood repair. If termites have already damaged framing or sub-flooring, you'll need a contractor for that piece, and we'll tell you plainly if that's what we're seeing.
Termite questions
Liquid treatment or bait stations, which one do I need?
Liquid treatment creates an immediate barrier and works well for active infestations. Bait stations take longer to eliminate a colony but require less disturbance around the foundation and suit ongoing prevention. We recommend one over the other based on what the inspection finds, not a default answer.
Do I need a report for a home sale?
Many lenders and buyers request a wood-destroying insect report as part of closing. We can inspect and issue that report separately from a treatment visit.
How fast can termites damage a house?
It depends on colony size and how long it's been active before discovery, which is exactly why we recommend catching activity at the inspection stage rather than waiting for visible damage.
Are your applicators licensed?
Yes. Termite treatment in Texas requires certification through the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service, and our applicators hold that certification.
Book a termite inspection
Tell us what you've seen. Mud tubes, winged insects, or just want to be sure before spring swarm season.