How Long Does Termite Treatment Last?

“How long will it last?” is the right question to ask before any termite treatment — but the answer depends entirely on which treatment you're getting and what type of termite you have. Here's the honest breakdown.

Subterranean: the Termidor barrier

For subterranean termites, the treatment is a liquid barrier (I use Termidor) applied in the soil around and under the foundation. A properly applied barrier typically keeps working for around five to ten years, and reputable treatments come with a warranty for a set period. Over time the barrier breaks down and soil gets disturbed, which is why periodic inspection and renewal matter.

Drywood: fumigation

Fumigation (tenting) is highly effective at eliminating the drywood termites present in the structure at the time — but here's the part people miss: it leaves no residual protection. The day after the tent comes off, a new swarmer could land and start a fresh colony. Fumigation clears what's there; it doesn't prevent what's next, which is why ongoing inspections still matter.

Drywood: spot treatment

A localized spot treatment handles the specific area of drywood it's applied to. It's ideal for catching a contained infestation early, and many spot treatments are warranty-backed. It protects the treated wood rather than blanketing the whole house the way fumigation reaches everything at once — the trade-off is targeted-and-affordable versus whole-structure.

What actually keeps protection going

No termite treatment is permanent, so the real protection is staying ahead of it: a warranty that covers re-treatment, periodic inspections to catch new activity early, and keeping moisture and wood-to-soil contact down so your home stays a hard target. Ask for a free quote or inspection and I'll tell you honestly what your situation needs.