Finding termite signs can feel scary. You may worry about the cost, the damage, and where to begin. That worry is normal. Termites usually work slowly, so you have time to take a few careful steps before anyone starts treatment.
Burnedsave Pest Control is a referral service. We do not treat homes. We help you gather photos and notes, then connect you with an independent provider in our network who can inspect your home and explain the options. Ask for a written quote, keep your records together, and take it one step at a time. This page walks you through the signs, the treatment types, the costs, and what to expect.
Think You Have Termites? Start Here
Seeing something strange near a wall or foundation is upsetting. Take a breath. Termites usually work slowly, so you have time to do this in the right order.
The steps below are simple. They help you explain the problem clearly and compare estimates with confidence.
Photos First, Then Call
Before you reach out, grab your phone. Take clear pictures of whatever worried you. Include a wide shot of the area and a close shot of the detail.
Good things to photograph:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls or in the basement
- Discarded wings on sills or floors
- Soft, bubbling, or hollow-sounding wood
- Tiny pellets that look like sawdust or sand
Once you have a few pictures, Request a callback to check provider availability in your area.
Write It Down
Short notes help a lot. Jot down the date, the room, and what you saw. Mention if you saw winged insects and what the weather was like.
Keep it all in one folder on your phone or in a paper file. A provider can read it fast, and you will not have to rely on memory later.
Why Termites Deserve Prompt Attention
Termites eat wood from the inside. That means damage can grow behind walls where you cannot see it. A small problem today can become a repair bill later.
You do not need to panic. You just should not wait for months. Getting an inspection started sooner usually keeps options open and costs more manageable.
Know the Warning Signs
Inside the Home
- Paint that bubbles or looks water-damaged with no leak
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Floors that feel soft or sound hollow when tapped
- Small piles of wings near windows
Outside the Home
- Pencil-wide mud tubes climbing a foundation
- Soft or crumbling wood on decks, porches, or trim
- Wood piles or mulch resting against the house
- Tiny holes in fence posts or wooden steps
Not Sure It Is Termites?
Flying ants and termites look alike to a worried eye. Ants have a narrow waist and bent antennae. Termites have a thick body and straight antennae. If you cannot tell, take a clear photo and save a sample in a sealed bag.
Types of Termites
Providers usually sort termites into three groups. Knowing which one you have shapes the treatment plan.
Subterranean Termites
These live in soil and travel to your home through mud tubes. They are the most common type in much of the country. Homes with block or stone foundations and damp basements can give them easy paths inside.
Drywood Termites
These live right inside the wood and do not need soil contact. Their clue is tiny, hard pellets that collect below infested wood.
Dampwood Termites
These prefer wet, decaying wood. Fixing leaks and moisture is often part of the answer.
Older Homes and Cold Climates
Older houses often have wood framing close to the ground, cracks in stone or block foundations, and basements that stay damp. Snowmelt and freeze-thaw cycles can open small gaps and keep soil wet near the walls.
None of that means your house has termites. It just means a careful inspection is worth the time, especially in the spring when melting snow soaks the ground.
How Termite Treatment Works
The Inspection
A provider checks the foundation, basement, crawl spaces, and any wood near the soil. Expect them to tap on wood, use a flashlight, and look for moisture. Show them your photos and notes at the start.
The Treatment Plan
After the inspection, the provider should explain what they found, which areas need work, and how long it should take. Ask for it in writing. Get it in writing before you agree to anything.
Liquid, Bait, or Wood Treatment
Liquid treatments create a protective zone in the soil around the home. Bait stations are placed in the ground and checked over time. Wood treatments are applied right to affected lumber. Some homes use a mix. Ask the provider why they picked their method.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Buyers and lenders sometimes ask for a termite inspection report. If you are selling, an inspection before listing can prevent surprises during negotiations. If you are buying, the report tells you what to ask about.
Keep a copy of the report and any treatment paperwork. The next owner may want to see it.
Keeping Records for Insurance
Many homeowner policies treat termite damage as a maintenance issue, so coverage is often limited. Some policies may cover sudden damage from related causes, so check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Save your photos, notes, inspection reports, and receipts together. Clear records make any conversation easier.
Choosing a Termite Provider
Take a little time to compare. Ask each provider:
- Is the inspection and quote in writing?
- Which method do you recommend, and why?
- What does the warranty or follow-up plan cover?
- Are you licensed and insured in my state?
If an offer feels rushed or vague, pause. A good provider is comfortable explaining things twice.
After Treatment
Treatment is not the end. Ask when the follow-up visits are and what is covered. Keep the paperwork with your house records.
You can help too. Fix leaks, keep gutters clear, and move firewood and mulch away from the foundation. Check basement walls each season and take a photo if anything looks new.
If you spot new signs later, Request a callback to ask a provider about next steps.
What's Included
Inspection Review
A provider examines the foundation, basement, and wood areas, then explains what they found in plain words.
Written Plan
Ask for the treatment method, treated areas, and timeline in writing before work begins.
Treatment Options
Liquid barriers, bait stations, and targeted wood treatments may be used, alone or together.
Follow-Up Visits
Many providers schedule return checks to confirm the treatment is working as expected.
What Termite Treatment Typically Costs
Prices vary by home size, termite type, and treatment method. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Always ask for a written quote so you can compare providers fairly.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $300 | Some providers include it with treatment |
| Liquid soil treatment | $800 – $2,500 | Depends on foundation length and access |
| Bait station system | $1,200 – $3,000 | Often includes ongoing monitoring visits |
| Spot wood treatment | $250 – $900 | For small, limited areas |
| Drywood whole-home treatment | $1,500 – $4,000+ | Larger homes cost more |
| Annual monitoring plan | $200 – $600 per year | Terms differ, so read the details |
How It Works
Photos and Notes
Capture what you see and write down dates, rooms, and anything that seems different.
Reach Out
Request a callback or use the request form to ask about provider availability.
Get Inspected
A local provider checks your home and explains what they find.
Compare Quotes
Review written plans, ask questions, and choose the provider that fits.
Why Call Burnedsave Pest Control
Organized Before You Call
Photos and notes help providers understand the problem quickly and give a more accurate estimate.
Clear Steps
We explain what usually happens next, so you are not guessing or feeling rushed.
Independent Providers
Providers in our network do the inspection and treatment. You decide who to hire.
Written Quotes
Comparing paperwork side by side makes costs and plans easier to understand.
Other Services
Need termite treatment in Albany?
Tell us what you are seeing at home. Send a request for an estimate, or request a callback to check provider availability in your part of the Albany area.
No obligationTermite Treatment FAQ
How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist, and uneven wings. Take a clear photo and ask a provider to confirm.
How long does termite treatment take?
It depends on the method and the size of your home. Liquid treatments are often finished in a day or two, while bait systems take months to work. Ask the provider for a timeline in writing.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Often not, because many policies treat termites as a maintenance issue. Some policies may cover sudden damage from related causes, so check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Request a callback
Tell us what you are seeing at home. Send a request for an estimate, or request a callback to check provider availability in your part of the Albany area.
No obligation