Pest control treatments
The main treatment families are baits, applied barriers, physical methods such as heat, steam or cold, exclusion, and whole-structure fumigation. The EPA describes termite options as soil-applied barrier treatments, baits, wood treatments, and building materials or physical barriers. Costs in 2026 span $150-$400 per room for insecticide bed bug work up to $1,500-$8,000 for tented fumigation (This Old House).
We do not recommend specific pesticides, products or application rates on this site. Pesticide use is regulated, the label is legally binding, and which products are registered and how they may be used varies by state. A licensed applicator makes that call for your situation. What we can do is explain the categories so you can read a quote.
Baits use a slow-acting active ingredient carried back to the colony. The EPA notes termite bait systems contain slow-acting insecticides such as diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron. Baits generally work over time, not overnight, which is a feature, not a failure.
Applied barriers place a treated zone in the soil around and under a structure. The EPA lists bifenthrin, imidacloprid and fipronil among common termiticide active ingredients. Wood treatments such as borates treat the material itself. Physical barriers and biological agents also exist; the EPA notes it does not regulate those.
Heat, steam and cold are non-chemical options used mainly for bed bugs. This Old House's 2026 pricing: insecticides $150-$400 per room, steam $250-$1,000 per room, freezing $300-$1,500, heat $400-$5,500, fumigation $2,000+. Whole-structure fumigation is the heaviest option, at $1,500-$8,000 per This Old House, and is used for severe termite and rat infestations.
Choosing pest control treatments
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Ask for the product name and rate in writing The EPA states reliable applicators can provide pesticide label copies showing application rates and precautions. Keep those with your records.
- Ask about re-entry time before treatment day The EPA advises checking label re-entry timelines. Plan around children, pets, food and anyone with respiratory conditions.
- Match method to pest and to your constraints Heat avoids residual chemicals but costs more; baits are lower-impact but slower. There's a legitimate trade-off here - ask the applicator to explain theirs.
- Expect follow-up for bed bugs and termites Neither is reliably a one-visit job. Get the number of included visits in the contract.
- Report suspected misapplication The EPA directs property owners to contact their state pesticide regulatory agency if a product is misapplied.
All pest control treatments
Liquid Termite Treatment
Termite Baiting Systems
Fumigation Overview
Heat Treatment Bed Bugs
Mosquito Misting Systems
Rodent Bait Stations
Exclusion Pest Proofing
Organic and Botanical Treatments
IPM Monitoring Protocols
Perimeter Pest Barrier Treatments
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- EPA - Termites: How to Identify and Control Them · retrieved 2026-07-25
- This Old House - How Much Does a Bed Bug Exterminator Cost? (2026 Guide) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- This Old House - How Much Does Pest Control Cost? (2026 Pricing) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- EPA - Choosing a Pest Control Company · retrieved 2026-07-25
- EPA - Introduction to Integrated Pest Management · retrieved 2026-07-25
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