A lot of people think termites are rare, loud or easy to spot. In practice, they hide inside walls, floors and framing while you go about your day. By the time paint bubbles or a door sticks, they may have been feeding for a long while.
Industryfootball Pest Control is a referral service. We connect homeowners in the Dayton area with independent providers in our network who inspect for termites and treat them. The provider does the work. Season sets timing, and older houses add their own twists, so this page explains both. Read the signs, learn how treatment works, then call or request an estimate.
Think You Have Termites? Start Here
Mud tubes on the foundation. Tiny wings on a windowsill. A beam that sounds hollow when you tap it. Any one of these is reason enough to get a provider to take a look.
Request a callback to check provider availability, or use the request form to ask for an estimate. A local provider in our network can confirm what is really going on.
Myth: Termites Take the Winter Off
A lot of people think cold weather stops termites. In practice, they just go deeper. Colonies move below the frost line and wait. Heated basements and warm crawl spaces keep some wood within reach all year.
So damage can keep growing while you shovel snow. You just cannot see it.
Spring: Swarms and Soggy Soil
Season sets timing. Warm spring days often bring swarms, when winged termites leave a colony to start a new one. Spring flooding and wet ground also make it easier for termites to reach a foundation.
If you find wings indoors, save a few in a jar or on tape. The provider can use them to identify the type.
Summer: Heat, Humidity and Storm Damage
Hot, humid summers speed up feeding. Severe thunderstorms and hail can add trouble too. A cracked fascia board, a loose shingle or a branch resting on siding gives moisture a way in. Moisture plus wood is exactly what termites look for.
Fall: A Smart Time to Plan
Myth: you have to wait for spring. Reality: many soil treatments and bait systems go in when the ground is workable, and fall is often a good window before deep frost sets in. Ask the provider what fits the current ground conditions.
Warning Signs Worth Knowing
- Mud tubes: pencil-wide tunnels on foundation walls or joists.
- Discarded wings: small, matching pairs near doors, windows and light fixtures.
- Hollow wood: a tap that sounds dull or papery.
- Sticky doors and windows: frames can warp when wood is damaged or damp.
- Bubbling or sagging paint: may point to moisture or tunneling underneath.
- Tiny pellets: gritty droppings that can mean drywood termites.
Myth: You Would Hear Them Chewing
Most of the time, you will not. Termites eat from the inside out and leave a thin skin of wood or paint on the surface. A wall can look fine while the stud behind it is hollow. That is why an inspection beats guessing.
Old House, New Look
Frame houses from many decades ago, bungalows and ranch homes each have their own weak spots. Older sill plates often sit close to the soil. Past repairs, additions and patched porches can leave gaps nobody remembers.
Hidden Surprises Behind Walls
Old paneling, plaster and past remodels can hide mud tubes for years. A provider may use a moisture meter, tap test or small opening to check a suspect spot.
Basements, Sump Pumps and Damp Corners
Full basements with sump pumps are common in homes like these. Damp corners, cracked slabs and the area around the sump pit can give termites a route and a water source. Fixing drainage often helps treatment work better.
Types of Termites
Subterranean Termites
These are the usual culprits. They live in soil and travel through mud tubes to reach wood. They need moisture, which is why wet springs matter.
Drywood and Dampwood Termites
Drywood termites live inside dry wood and leave tiny pellets. Dampwood termites prefer wet, rotting wood. Both are less common in cold climates, but infested furniture or lumber can bring them in.
How Termite Treatment Works
Inspection First
The provider checks the foundation, basement, crawl space, attic and any wood that touches soil. Then they explain what they found and suggest a plan.
Liquid Soil Treatment
A liquid product is applied in the soil around the foundation. Termites cross it and carry it back to the colony. Trenching, and sometimes drilling through slabs, may be needed.
Bait Stations
Stations are placed in the ground around the house. Termites feed on the bait and share it with the colony. The provider returns to check the stations on a schedule.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Buying or selling? Some lenders and regions ask for a termite inspection. Older homes draw extra attention. Sellers who inspect early have time to treat and repair before a deal is on the line. Buyers can use the report when they talk about repairs. Rules vary, so ask your agent what applies.
Choosing a Termite Provider
People often search "exterminator near me" and pick the first name. Termite work is different from routine residential pest control, so ask a few questions first:
- Is the provider licensed in your state?
- Which method do they suggest, and why?
- Is the quote written and itemized?
- What does the warranty or renewal plan cover?
- How do they handle re-treatment if termites return?
Other problems, such as ants, mice or bed bug treatment, are separate jobs with their own plans.
After Treatment: What to Expect
Treatment is not the finish line. Termites in treated soil can take weeks to die off, so you may still see some activity for a while. Tell the provider if it continues.
Then help the treatment last. Keep mulch, firewood and soil away from siding. Fix leaky gutters and aim downspouts and sump pump discharge away from the foundation. Book yearly checks, since many providers offer renewal plans.
Damaged wood may need repair. Providers can often help document damage for a claim. Some policies may cover sudden damage, but slow termite damage is often treated differently, so check your policy.
Request a callback to check provider availability and talk through your next step.
What's Included
Inspection
A close look at the foundation, basement, crawl space and attic for activity and moisture clues.
Soil Treatment
A liquid barrier around the foundation that termites pick up and share.
Bait Stations
Ground stations placed around the house and checked on a schedule to track colony activity.
Repair Guidance
Advice on damaged framing and what to replace, matched to what was found.
What Termite Treatment Typically Costs
Prices vary by home size, termite type, method and how much work the foundation needs. These are typical U.S. ranges. Always get a written quote before you agree to anything.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $300 | Price depends on home size and report needs |
| Liquid soil treatment | $1,200 – $3,000 | Slabs and finished basements raise the cost |
| Bait station system | $1,500 – $3,500 | Often includes the first year of monitoring |
| Spot or wood treatment | $250 – $900 | For small, confirmed areas of activity |
| Drywood tent treatment | $2,000 – $8,000 | Cost depends on home size and prep |
| Yearly renewal or monitoring | $100 – $400 | Terms differ, so read what it covers |
How It Works
Ask for an Estimate
Request a callback or send the request form and describe what you have seen.
Inspection Visit
A local provider checks the home inside and out and explains the findings.
Treatment Plan
Review the written quote, the method and how the timing fits the season.
Follow-Up Checks
Revisits and yearly inspections help confirm that termites are staying away.
Why Call Industryfootball Pest Control
Damage Hides Inside Walls
Termites feed out of sight, so a quick look from a provider can save repair money later.
Seasons Change Timing
Spring swarms, wet soil and frozen ground all affect when and how treatment is done.
Older Homes
Aging sills, past repairs and damp basements need a closer, more careful inspection.
Written Plans
Ask for a clear quote that names the method, the area and the follow-up.
Other Services
Need termite treatment services in Dayton?
Seeing ants, mice, termite signs or something in the attic? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and compare estimates.
No obligationTermite Treatment Services FAQ
How do I know if I have termites or just ants?
Termites have thick waists, straight antennae and wings of equal length. Flying ants have pinched waists, bent antennae and uneven wings. Mud tubes and hollow wood point to termites. A provider can confirm it.
Can termites survive the winter in cold climates?
Yes. Colonies move deep below the frost line, and heated basements or crawl spaces can keep wood within reach. Activity may slow, but damage can continue. Many people only notice signs when spring swarms appear, so inspect year round.
How much does termite treatment cost for a house?
Most treatments fall between about $1,200 and $3,500, and tent treatments cost more. Home size, termite type and foundation all matter. Get a written quote from a provider and ask what follow-up visits include.
Areas we cover
Dayton Beavercreek Kettering Fairborn Miamisburg Moraine Centerville Vandalia Union
Get in touch
Seeing ants, mice, termite signs or something in the attic? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and compare estimates.
No obligation